Pre-Calculus+08-09

__Course Overview__
This course will begin with a substantial review of Algebra II and progress into topics typically covered in Pre-Calculus. The first semester will consist of a review polynomial and rational functions and introduce exponential and logarithmic functions. The second semester will focus on trigonometric functions and a brief introduction to conic sections. Throughout the year, we will strive to reinforce Algebra II concepts and develop a broad understanding of the nature of Pre-Calculus by investigating how it works and why it works. We will focus on learning how to think mathematically and communicate mathematical ideas clearly and precisely both verbally and in writing. We will work to become comfortable with the fact that learning math requires persistence and patience, and sometimes lacks immediate gratification. As always, students are expected to actively work, to be involved, to seek extra help when necessary, and to ask questions.

__Syllabus__
Examinations=35%, Quizzes=25%, Classwork=20%, Homework=20%. The midtern is 5% and the final exam is 10% of their overall grade for the course.
 * Class Meeting Time**: 4th period Monday through Friday
 * Tutoring**: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-4:00
 * Text:** Holliday, Cuevas, McClure, Carter and Marks. //Advanced Mathematical Concepts: Precaclulus with Applications//. Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2001.
 * Required Material**: TI-83 Graphing Calculator (or equivalent)
 * Grading:** Grades are calculated each quarter and the respective assignments receiving the following weights**:**

__Lesson Planning__
Each day of the course is structured by a simple BBC (Blackboard Configuration) that describes an opening "Do Now" activity, an objective or objectives for the particular class session, an agenda for the session, and lastly the homework assignment. Typically, although not always, my opening "Do Now" activity is a 1-5 question quiz that assesess the knowledge from the previous day or is an assessment of some basic prior knowledge crucial to the coming lesson. This takes approximately the first 5 minutes of the class period. This is really the only truly ritualized aspect of the class, except possibly the closing of the class period that typically ends with a reminder of the homework assignment due the following morning.

The link below will take you to the brief lesson plans that I have compiled for this course. Pre-Calculus Lesson Plans 08-09

__Scope and Sequence__
The attached spreadsheet is the scope and sequence for this course including how the development of topics are alligned with the Massachusetts Frameworks. This is currently undergoing revision and I have not perfectly fulfilled it in all of its finer points, but it is a good representation of the course in general.



__Unit Plan(s)__
The proposed sequence of topics may change as the school year progress; however, this is the intended journey for the coming school year.