IB Math HL Course Guide

This course will allow you the opportunity to apply your mathematical knowledge to solving problems set in a variety of meaningful contexts and be introduced to important concepts of rigor and proof. The courses that lead up to the IB Math HL exam provide a sound background for future studies in subjects which have a high degree of mathematical content, for example, engineering, physics, computer science, technology, and mathematics itself. This will be a challenging, yet rewarding course.

IB Math HL will provide you with the opportunity to greatly expand your mathematical knowledge and prepare you for further mathematical studies at the college level. The IB Math HL curriculum consists of seven core topics: Algebra, Functions and Equations, Circular Functions and Trigonometry, Matrices, Vectors, Statistics and Probability, and Calculus. These core topics are covered in Bellaire High School’s PreAP Algebra II, PreAP Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, and IB Math HL courses. A significant portion of the core curriculum will be covered in the AP Calculus BC course. The further option topics on the IB Math HL exam are Statistics and probability (covered in AP Statistics), Sets, relations and groups, Series and differential equations (covered in AP Calculus BC), and Discrete mathematics. Students will cover one of the following further option topics in the IB Math HL course: Sets, relations and groups or Discrete mathematics. Each student must select one further option topic for his or her exam.

With whom will you be working in this course?

You will be working with Mr. Mazzoni whose primary goal is to guide you as you learn. Mr. Mazzoni has earned a bachelor of science degree in Mathematics and has studied Calculus I, II, and III, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Differential Equations, Higher Geometry, Advanced Linear Algebra I and II, Graph Theory, Advanced Multivariable Calculus, and Intermediate Analysis. You will also be working with your classmates, each of whom will be making a unique contribution to this class. In turn, you will contribute to the class by sharing your ideas, mistakes, discoveries, inventions, and solutions.

Our “classroom”

Your classroom at Bellaire High School is the place where ideas are brought together and formalized. Our classroom is a place of business for learning. However, a significant amount of learning must take place outside of the classroom during individual and group studies. Successful students spend a significant amount of time outside of class internalizing important concepts.

Homework

Homework will be assigned daily and must be completed on-time (usually the next day) to keep up with new material. In order to succeed in this course, you must complete all homework. Homework will not be graded on a regular basis since it is part of the learning process and mistakes and questions are expected. At this level of study, I am providing you with more flexibility and freedom. Ideally, you would solve every assigned problem each night, however I know that this is not always possible. With this freedom comes the responsibility to keep up with your work. You should consult your notes, book, and classmates as you learn, but there is no benefit from copying the work of others. As you complete your homework, remember to pay close attention to details, justify your steps, and show all of your work. (You must do all of these on class tests and the IB exam.) If you are under a time constraint, you will be better off skipping a few similar homework problems instead of rushing through all of them or copying someone’s work.

Quizzes

Quizzes may be given occasionally. These may be announced or unannounced and are designed to check your understanding of a recent homework assignment. Quizzes are typically worth about 10-30 points, last 10-15 minutes, and are not quite as difficult as a major test.

Portfolio

Portfolio assignments will be completed throughout the year. You will complete four portfolio assignments (one during each of the first four grading periods). These assignments will give you the opportunity to explore mathematical topics and to clearly communicate your findings. 20% of your IB Math HL exam score will be based on your two best portfolio assignments. Each assignment will fall into one of two categories: Mathematical Investigation or Mathematical Modeling. The written work that you submit must be entirely your own. Although group work can be educationally desirable in some situations, it is not appropriate for the portfolio. You will receive a portfolio grade during the fifth grading period that is made up of your best two assignments. In place of a portfolio grade, you will be completing a project in May for the sixth grading period.

Major tests

One test will be given each six-week grading period. I will always provide a detailed list of topics to be covered on each test. To be fully prepared for a test, make sure you understand all class notes/activities/discussions and complete all homework assignments. Do not limit your study time to the night before the test. Review notes, homework, and previous tests often. Practice additional textbook problems not assigned for homework. A few minutes before a test is not the time to ask questions or to “cram!” I will not be able to answer questions the day of a test after 7:30 a.m., between classes, or during lunch. Tests will start promptly when the bell rings and must be turned in when the class ends. No extra time will be given on tests. It is possible that some tests may be curved and the curve is based on the assumption that every student has had the same amount of time to complete the test.

Tests will typically include review questions from previous test topics. The tests will typically be divided into two parts: short response and extended response. Although some questions will be similar in nature to questions from the textbook, other questions may require you to use the knowledge that you have obtained to solve original and challenging problems. You will have to think, reason, and make decisions! In order to receive full-credit on test problems, you must show all of your work. Tests will generally be returned the following Monday. Please write the Bellaire High School Honor Code on all tests: On my honor, I have neither given nor received any help on this work. Dishonorable actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances in or out of our classroom.

Tentative test dates:

Test #1 – Thursday, September 22, 2005

Test #2 – Thursday, October 20, 2005

Test #3 – Thursday, December 8, 2005

Test #4 – Thursday, February 16, 2005

Test #5 – Thursday, April 6, 2006

Presenting solutions

This will become an important component of this course. This is not intended to be a high pressure exercise, rather it will provide you with the opportunity to occasionally present your work and for us to discuss techniques, procedures, notation, mistakes, etc. There are not a set minimum number of times that you must present solutions. However, I will keep track of how often you present and expect everyone to present an equal number of solutions.

Extra credit

There may be opportunities to earn extra credit points throughout the year. Extra credit is only available to those students who are in-class (or have an excused absence) on the day it is given. You can earn 2 points for returning signed progress reports (up to 4 points per grading period). In fairness to all, no extra credit will be offered on an individual basis. No extra credit will be awarded to students who accumulate any unexecused absences during a six-week grading period.

Late work policy

All homework and make-up work should be completed on time. Extra credit will not be accepted late. The maximum percentage of points that can be earned depends on when the work is completed (an example of a 20 point assignment in which 18 of the original points were earned is shown):

on-time up to 100% of points 18 (max 20) points = 90%

1 day late up to 85% of points 15 (max 17) points = 75%

2 days late up to 70% of points 13 (max 14) points = 65%

³ 3 days late up to 50% of points 9 (max 10) points = 45%

Grades calculations

Each six-week grade will be calculated approximately as follows:

Points (each) Qty Points (total) Percent of grade

exam 100 1 100 50%

quizzes 10 2 20 10%

portfolio assignment 30 1 30 15%

homework 10 2 20 10%

solution presentations 5 6 30 15%

Each six-week grade will be calculated by dividing the points you have earned (including extra credit) by the total possible points you could have earned during that grading period. Your semester grade will be the average of three six-week grades and a final exam. The Fall final exam is cumulative for the semester and the Spring final exam is cumulative for the year. If you maintain an average below 80, it will be suggested that you drop IB Math HL if immediate improvement is not shown. Please note that BHS policy now states that you cannot transfer out of a class until the end of the first six-weeks grading period.

Final exams

The Fall final exam is cumulative for the first semester and the Spring final exam is cumulative for the entire year. Review material will be provided for the Fall semester final exam. To prepare for the Spring final exam, use the same material and procedures recommended for preparing for the actual IB exam since the format will be similar and, of course, the topics will the same. It is my hope that all Seniors will be exempt from the Spring final exam. However, only Seniors meeting all of the requirements (85 or above average, 3 or fewer excused absences, and no unexcused absences) will be exempt. All non-exempt Seniors must take a cumulative final exam during the scheduled final exam time in May.

Progress reports

Detailed progress reports will be made available online at the midpoint and end of each six-week grading period. Progress reports must be signed by a parent and returned promptly. Two extra credit points will be given to those students who return signed progress reports on-time.

Where can I get help when I do not understand something?

Please do not hesitate to ask questions … there are no dumb questions while learning mathematics! Due to the amount of material we will be covering, there may not be enough time during a typical class period to answer all of your questions. You may not realize you have a question until days after we cover a particular topic. I will generally be available Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and as needed to answer questions. If students are interested, I can conduct test review sessions. Since you will be working with other students in your class on a regular basis, help each other! Communicate online, call someone, or meet for study sessions. Also, consult family members with math backgrounds and other outside reference materials including the Internet. The pace of this course will be extremely rapid at times. This is to ensure that all of the required material is covered. Remember: Help does not mean copying work or having someone else do the work for you! The Bellaire High School Honor Code applies to all student in this class. Any time that you need help with academic or other matters, your teachers, counselors, and principals are available and willing to help you.

Materials

Bring the following with you to every class meeting (unless told otherwise):

· Loose leaf paper (or a spiral notebook) and a pencil

· Graphing calculator

· A three-ring binder might be helpful to keep notes, tests, handouts, etc. (1 - 1.5” binders seem to work well)

· All assignments completed

A textbook (soft cover) has been issued to you for this course. You are responsible for maintaining it and returning it in good condition at the end of the year (or if you drop the course). Please keep the textbook at home unless I request you bring it to class.

Calculator use in this class and on the IB exam

I recommend that you use a TI-83 or TI-84 Plus or Plus SE graphing calculator. TI-85 and TI-86 calculators will also work well, but I have had little experience with those and will not be able to answer many questions about how to use them. If enough students have their own calculators, I have TI-83 Plusses that students can check out for the year. Please bring your graphing calculator to class every day. Although you will not need your calculator every day, there are many times in which I will spontaneously use the calculator. In fairness to all, TI-89s or any calculator with a computer algebraic system (CAS) will not be allowed for class tests (they are not allowed on the IB exam). We will be using graphing calculators frequently during class and, although it is not necessary to have your own to complete homework, it can be very helpful.

In the past, I have had a few students who have decided to play calculator games during class. If you choose to play games during class, your calculator will be taken until the end of the day and the games will be deleted.

Classroom procedures

Attendance. It is very important that you are present every day. However, if extenuating circumstances arise and you must be absent, I will allow you to make-up any missed work if the absence is excused. It is your responsibility to obtain material from me or classmates and to arrange any needed make-up times. Typically, you will be allowed two nights to make-up work. Consult the Student Handbook for consequences of unexcused absences. Skipping will not be tolerated and will result in an unexcused absence and a call to your home.

Tardy. Students are expected to be seated and have materials ready when the tardy (second) bell rings. This includes your book, notebook, binder, calculator, and sharpened pencil on your desk. If you will be arriving late, you must obtain a tardy permit. Please enter the room quietly and “tune-in” to the lesson quickly.

Written Excuses / Permits. I will designate an area in your classroom for you to leave permits. Notes to excuse absences must be given to the attendance office the day you return. If you must leave campus early or arrive late during my class, you must provide a note signed by a parent and the attendance office. Additionally, you must sign out/in at the attendance office when you leave/arrive. Please do not disrupt the class with notes or permits.

Conduct grades

I anticipate no conduct problems. Everyone in this class has the right to learn, free from any fears of being harmed, intimidated, or embarrassed. Any conduct issues that do arise will be dealt with swiftly. I have the right to help you and your classmates learn without disruption or interference. Thus, you are expected to adhere to the following rules of conduct:

· Respect everyone and everything - no exceptions

· Participate, concentrate, listen, and follow directions from “bell to bell”

· Follow the rules and policies of Bellaire High School as listed in the Student Handbook

E = 0-1 infractions, S = 2-3 infractions, P = 4 infractions, U = 5 or more infractions. Infractions include but are not limited to excessive tardiness, writing on desks, playing games on calculators or PDAs, and showing disrespect. Arrive to class on-time, ready to work when the bell rings. I reserve the right to assign conduct grades according to overall conduct and attitude demonstrated during each grading period.

The IB Math HL Exam

Test dates: Wednesday, May 3, 2006 in the afternoon – Paper 1

· 2 hours

· 20 compulsory short-response questions based on the core of the syllabus

· 120 marks

· 30% of IB Math HL score

Thursday, May 4, 2006 in the morning – Paper 2

· 2 hours

· 5 compulsory extended-response questions based on the core of the syllabus

· 120 marks

· 30% of IB Math HL score

Monday, May 15, 2006 in the afternoon – Paper 3

· 1 hour

· Answer one option topic (out of four) that consists of a small number of extended-response questions involving sustained reasoning and typically an incline of difficulty

· 60 marks

· 20% of IB Math HL score

The remaining 20% of the IB Math HL score will come from the best two Portfolio assignments completed throughout the year.

Additional details about the exam will be provided during class throughout the year.

Please note that the IB Math HL curriculum with be completed in mid-April to allow for about two weeks of review before the first exam. Although some students might not be taking the IB Math HL exam, it is required that all students participate in the review process. Reviewing for the exam will benefit everyone as a last chance to solidify math concepts before graduating and it will help in case it is necessary to take the final exam at the end of May.

What happens after the IB Math exam?

Since the IB Math exam begins quite early in May, there are 12 class days remaining after the first exam. The period between the Paper 2 and Paper 3 tests will be used to review the option topic. Many of you will miss some class days while taking other AP and IB exams. Bring materials to class so that you can study for other exams. The exam questions are released a few days after the administration of the exam and we will go through these together during class. This allows me the opportunity to obtain feedback from you about specific questions and problem areas and allows you to form a preliminary assessment of your exam performance.

Please note that modifications to the information contained in this document may be provided to you during class throughout the school year.

Last Revision: 07/17/05

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