Course Syllabus
Course Syllabus
Advanced Calculus (1 credit)
Teacher Contact Information: Mr. Fornataro
Telephone: 717.531.2244, extension 1220
Email: dfornataro@hershey.k12.pa.us
Canvas: https://hersheyk12.instructure.com/login/ldap
Course Description: This is a college level study of the fundamentals of Calculus II and III. The major topics include review of single variable differentiation and integration, series, vectors, polars, as well as multivariable differentiation and integration. A graphing calculator is required for the course.
Resources: Textbook: Calculus (AP Edition) 11e (Larson and Edwards) [digital online]
Graphing Calculator TI-84 Plus
Other resources will be given throughout the year
Course Organization:
Review Calculus II (Topics from Ch. 8, 9, 10)
- Integrals: Reducing Powers of Trig. Functions*, Trig. Substitution*, and Improper
- L’Hôpital’s Rule and Relative Rates of Growth
- Series: Power, Taylor, and Maclaurin
- Vectors (2D)
- Polars
*Topics NOT covered in AP Calc. AB or BC but covered in college 2nd semester Calculus
Calculus III
Ch. 11 – Vectors and the Geometry of Space
Ch. 12 – Vector-Valued Functions
Ch. 13 – Functions of Several Variables
Ch. 14 – Multiple Integration
Homework: This course is considered a college level course. You should take the
homework very seriously. The only way to be successful in any math course is to
do the homework. All homework will be reviewed the next day in class.
You will receive 1 point for each completed assignment. If you do not complete a homework, you will not lose a point. So, in other words, doing the homework gets you a point, not doing it simply means you get nothing. There are no make-up homework assignments and they cannot be submitted late.
Just to stress the point, the homework is not assigned in order to gain significant points, but rather to gain significant understanding and skills to prepare you for the quizzes and tests, which are the major contributions to your grade.
Grading Method: Grades are determined by dividing the total points earned by the total possible
points. Students will be evaluated mostly based on class assignments,
quizzes, and tests. Quizzes will occur every week or so (dependent on school
schedule). Tests will occur at the end of each chapter.
Synergy: Synergy is the internet-based service provided to
parents and students for the purpose of reviewing student information
such as grades, attendance, and discipline referrals. Login and password
information for Synergy is given directly to parents and can be obtained by
contacting the main office.
Updates to Synergy cannot follow a definite timetable due to circumstances
such as length of the assignment, number of students, Synergy online
program updates and/or down time, etc. However, I will make every effort to
update grades on Synergy regularly.
Additional Assistance: Generally, I am available before school from 6:30 – 7:30 AM.
Other potential times exist by appointment. Come see me to schedule a
time.
The National Honor Society sponsors the school’s peer tutoring
program. A pool of volunteers is compiled in September from all
students who have an A or B in a class and who are interested in serving
as a tutor. Tutors are available to students who are trying
their best academically but who feel they need additional help. These
students may contact their teacher, guidance counselor, or the National
Honor Society Advisor.
Students who should not sign up for a tutor are those who:
- have an attendance problem and are not in class
- do not pay attention and are discipline problems
- don't do the assigned work. These students can help themselves, and
tutoring has proven not to help.
Classroom Rules and Guidelines:
- You must follow the guidelines outlined by the Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook.
- Students must come to class prepared with an iPad, notebook, PENCIL(s), and graphing calculator (TI-84 preferred).
- Students must keep an organized notebook with notes, homework and quizzes/tests in chronological order.
- It is very important that you are in class EVERY SINGLE DAY! Missing school is understandable in certain circumstances, however, the more class you miss, the less you will understand. In the case of an excused absence, you will have additional time for assignments at my discretion; however, on most occasions the assignment will be due the following day. If you know you will miss class (i.e. early dismissal, educational trip), it is your responsibility to get and complete the assignment for the day that it is due. Quizzes and tests must be made up 2 days upon your return to school (with the exception of extended absences which will be dealt with on an individual basis). Failure to do so will result in a zero for that quiz or test. Make-ups may occur before, during or after school at the discretion of the teacher. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me. Also, each test or quiz must be finished in one sitting, so when scheduling a make-up, be sure you have enough time to complete the test. When taking a make-up test, you will be given the same amount of time as your classmates had been given when taking the test in class.
Advice:
- Always check on Canvas!!
- Take notes! Anything that I write on the board, show on the projector screen, etc., should be in your notes!
- Keep everything! Old homework assignments are needed when you take a quiz. Keep them organized with the date at the top. Old homework assignments and reviews certainly come in handy when studying for the final exam!
- Use WebAssign! WebAssign is full of resources that include your eBook and a Personal Study Plan. If you are in need of more explanation, check there!
- Come see me! If you need extra help, just let me know.
- Use all the internet resources that are available to you. MyAP on your AP College Board website and Khan Academy are both great ones. There are even more than you can imagine!