Course Syllabus

AP Calculus AB Syllabus

Instructor: Mrs. Carlynn Delgado

carlynn.delgado@ucps.k12.nc.us

Course Description

AP Calculus AB is a year-long course. You will earn honors credit for the first semester and AP credit for the second semester. Calculus AB is equivalent to one semester of college calculus (commonly called Calculus I). 

This course is very different from other math courses you have taken. Each chapter builds on the previous one. You must be diligent in learning each section of new material so that you will be successful the entire year.

AP Test Details-Upon completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to take the AP test to earn college credit. The test is graded on a scale from 1 to 5. Usually a score of 3 or higher will result in college credit, but this may depend on the individual college requirements.

The AP test consists of 2 parts: 

Section I Multiple Choice (105 minutes)

30 questions, no calculator allowed (60 minutes)

15 questions, calculator required (45 minutes)

Section II Free Response (90 minutes)

2 questions, calculator required (30 minutes)

**note that work must be shown even when a calculator is used

4 questions, no calculator allowed (60 minutes)

The memory on your calculator is not cleared for the test. You may program formulas into your calculator. There is no formula sheet given during the exam. 

More information can be found at: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

Please realize that preparing for the AP exam is a critical part of this course. Therefore, even if you decide not to take the AP exam, you will be expected to complete assignments and activities related to the exam as well as take practice tests as the class prepares for the exam. This preparation is a required part of the course. If you decide not to take the AP exam or you choose to drop the class after the first semester, you will be fined $40.00. In addition, you will only receive honors credit for each semester. Union County policy states that if a student does not take the exam, he or she will not receive AP credit and he or she will experience grade letter drop in their semester grade.

The AP Calculus Exam is Monday, May 9th at 8am in the media center.

Assignments-This is a college level course and you are expected to do college level work. You must be capable of doing this work, but also motivated enough to do the work. All students are expected to take notes, participate during class, complete homework assignments outside of class, and study outside of class. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. Homework will be assigned daily. Bellwork will be presented daily and can be checked at any time. Quizzes will be assigned when appropriate. Late assignments are accepted with a 5% grade reduction each day until the student turns in the assignment or the grade reaches a 60%. 

Grading Policy-Your grade will be determined as a ratio of points earned out of total possible points. Tests and other assignments will vary in point value. Tests and quizzes will each make up 40% of your grade while classwork/homework will make up 20% of your grade. Your work should be of the highest quality. You must clearly show all work in order to receive credit for any assignment. Mathematics is not just getting an answer to a problem; it is showing the logic and thought behind the answer. Look at PowerSchool for your actual grade.

Materials-Students are required to have a 2.5 inch 3-ring binder with dividers and a pencil. Organization is one of the keys to being successful in this course. Students are expected to bring the following to class each day: binder with dividers, notes, and a pencil. 

Calculator-A TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is what we use in class. If you choose to purchase a calculator of your own, a TI-84 Plus is recommended (the Python version is the BEST). You are expected to be able to solve problems with and without a calculator! Most in-class tests will have a calculator section and a non-calculator section.

Make-Up Work-Students are expected to keep up with their own make-up work from any missed days. Late work will be accepted if you are absent. All make-up work must be completed within two school days of the absence. Make-up tests or quizzes must be scheduled with the teacher.

Additional Support-After school tutoring sessions will be provided two times per week after school. More details regarding the math tutoring center will be provided at a later date. Aside from the math tutoring center, I can make myself available upon request. Just communicate with me!!

Midterm-At the end of the first semester, students will take a 2-hour midterm exam that mocks question types, time constraints, and grading standards of the AP Calculus exam. This exam grade will count as 25% of your first semester average. 

Mock Exams-Prior to taking the AP exam, students will take several full-length mock AP Calculus exams. These exams will be used to review and assess preparedness for the actual AP exam.

Class Rules

1. Respect others by keeping your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself. 
2. Personal electronic devices and accessories should remain off and out of sight during instructional times. 
3. Be on time, be prepared, and stay on task during instructional and work time.
4. Use appropriate language.