Back to school night 2017 Welcome!

Pre-calculus goals Develop exceptional algebra skills Recognize and use the text book as a resource Understand notation commonly used in this and all future math and science classes Develop excellent calculator skills Become good problem solvers Learn to enjoy and appreciate math in it’s own right Recognize that math and math skills is a key feature or valuable asset in a wide variety of post-high school careers

PC-Grades Assessment/Preparation 90/10 split IN addition to traditional tests and quizzes, occasional in-class projects, team reviews, and take-home tests will be included in the assessment category Prepartion includes homework and most in-class assignments

PC-Test retakes Students may retake any test one-time. Students may earn back up to the ½ the points they lost on the original test Ex: original 30/50 Retake: up to a 40/50 Students will only retake the problems they missed originally. Students must attempt all the problems they missed.

PC-Help! Form a study team that meets outside of class Bring your study team with you during flex times Read the book Do the examples and class exercises from the book Look at you notes, and the power points from class Look at help resources linked to my blog Do a google search by topic, or specific question How do I solve cubic equations by grouping and factoring? How do I solve x^3 +2x^2-1=0? Ask me during class, during flex, and after school

PC-Graphing calculators Students may not use phones during assessments, including PSAT’s, SAT’s, and ACT’s Purchase if you can Resell on –line when finished Buy used to start with. Ti-84 or inspire is very nice Ti-83 will work Check one out from the library- they are in limited supply For the AP Calculus exams the Ti-Nspire-CAS, and Ti-89’s are still considered to be an advantage. The Casio and HP brands are just fine, and probably cheaper. (I am less skilled at using them, but together we can figure it out)

Geometry Goals Accurately construct and measure various lines, angles, and shapes Perform and recognize transformations Become good problem solvers Become comfortable, confident and skilled at explaining your thinking out loud, and in writing. Learn, and then use the properties of parallel lines, similar triangles, right triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, and circles to solve real world problems Understand enough probability to design both a fair and an un-fair game Exit geometry with fantastic Algebra 1/2 skills

Geometry help From me: flex time, and after school, both in C-30 If absent: check my blog for the days plan and hand-outs (updated at least weekly Form a study team that meets outside of class. Ask lots of questions during class On-line: Khan academy is a good source Google the topic: ex: how do I rotate a shape 90 degrees counter clockwise about the origin?

Geometry Grades Tests: 55% Quizzes: 30% Essential skills: 15% This category includes homework and in-class assignments Test retakes: yes, each test once, for up to 100% Test notes: yes 1 page on tests, open note on quizzes

GEO/PC math department needs If you have the means and the time, the math department would greatly appreciate a donation of one of the following items from any student who can: Tissues Dry-erase markers AAA-batteries