Teacher: Fred Kral, Ph.D.
Email me: fkral
Call school: 415-339-9336
Get info: http://teach.kralsite.com
Course Description
Together with Geometry and Algebra 2, the Precalculus elective prepares students for college-level work in calculus and other mathematics classes as well as classes in quantitative fields such as the social sciences, the natural sciences, and engineering. Central concepts are mathematical analysis, functions and their graphs, trigonometry, and linear algebra. Mathematical ideas are communicated using graphical, numerical, algebraic, and verbal approaches. Through mathematical modeling, concepts are applied to problems in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and many other disciplines.
Text and supplemental materials
- Larson, Ron and Robert Hostetler, Precalculus, 5th Edition, Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. ISBN: 0-618-05285-2. Recommended.
- Web searching, wikipedia.org and reputable websites such as Ask Dr. Math (http://mathforum.org/dr.math/) and Paul's Online Math Notes (http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu). Strongly recommended.
- Texas Instruments TI-84 Graphing Calculator (Plus and Silver Editions are OK). TI-Nspire with a TI-84 faceplate is also acceptable (but slow to boot and drains batteries quickly). TI-83 is workable (but check with teacher first). Required.
- Laptop computer. From time to time students who have access to a laptop computer may be asked to bring it to class. Recommended.
- Rechargeable AAA batteries for the calculator and a battery charger (AA/AAA). Recommended.
- 3 ring binder.
- Pockets to organize paper that is not hole punched (in the binder or separately).
- Pencils (mechanical recommended).
Assessment
| Homework: timely completion of homework assignments. Assessed formally and informally. | 5 points per homework |
| Quizzes and Tests: written and graphical solutions. | 50 points per quiz, 150 points per test |
| End-Semester Examinations: written and graphical solutions of problems from the whole semester (comprehensive). | 20% of course grade |
In-Class work and Projects: positive energy and interest level during in-class work including discussion, working on investigations and projects, practice during class, and using notes. Assessed informally. |
20 points per week, up to 100 points per project |
| Commitment to learning: Taking on what is challenging to you, getting help, communicating with the teacher, engaging with the material, and taking personally meaningful notes. Assessed informally. | 100 points per semester |
Late work policy and tardy policy
The teacher enters grades once per week on a weekday communicated to the students. Students get credit for late work up to that weekly deadline. Students who are late to class or leave the classroom for an extended time during class receive a maximum of 60% of the day's in-class work credit.
Cell phone and device policy
For your own benefit, I will not tolerate any cell phone use in class. I know you are addicted to multitasking, but your job is to focus only on this class. Upon entering my class you will drop your cellphones or similar devices into the Device Drop basket. When class is over you can take it when you leave. If you need a calculator, please go to the bookshelf and borrow one.
Collaboration policy
I encourage study groups. You may work with others (not just students) unless instructed otherwise as long as all of you contribute. It is wise to put the name of each contributing student on an assignment to avoid issues with plagiarism.
Come visit or email! – Fred