Welcome to Geometry! Mr. Kopkas Pick up a slip of paper and find your partner. One of you has the problem and the other has the answer. Once you have a pair, choose a table to sit together and introduce yourselves.

Mr. Kopkas Education John Carroll University – BSBA in Marketing John Carroll University – BSBA in Marketing Baldwin-Wallace College - Masters of Arts in Education Baldwin-Wallace College - Masters of Arts in Education Experience (10 years) Solon High School 2002 – PresentSolon High School 2002 – Present

Student Goals Geometry Pose mathematical questions, such as “What if...?,” meaningfully and appropriately.Pose mathematical questions, such as “What if...?,” meaningfully and appropriately. Make conjectures and test their validity.Make conjectures and test their validity. Recognize and represent patterns mathematically or in prose.Recognize and represent patterns mathematically or in prose. Appreciate geometry as a connected, systematic branch of mathematics.Appreciate geometry as a connected, systematic branch of mathematics. Apply geometry to solve problems in both mathematical and real-world contexts.Apply geometry to solve problems in both mathematical and real-world contexts. Critique a logical argument.Critique a logical argument. Communicate mathematical understanding effectively and formulate complete, logical arguments to support conclusions.Communicate mathematical understanding effectively and formulate complete, logical arguments to support conclusions. Use algebra to formulate and solve equations arising from geometric situations both on and off a coordinate grid.Use algebra to formulate and solve equations arising from geometric situations both on and off a coordinate grid. Exhibit creativity and perseverance in mathematical problem solving, with the ability to determine when an approach is not working and a new direction is needed.Exhibit creativity and perseverance in mathematical problem solving, with the ability to determine when an approach is not working and a new direction is needed.

Required Materials Geometry TextGeometry Text Sharpened pencil(s)Sharpened pencil(s) A supply of notebook & graph paper in a 3-ring binder.A supply of notebook & graph paper in a 3-ring binder. A set of 5 colored divider tabs to insert into your binder for organizational purposes.A set of 5 colored divider tabs to insert into your binder for organizational purposes. A calculator (TI 30 XIIS-same as Algebra I)A calculator (TI 30 XIIS-same as Algebra I) “The Geometer”, a geometry template available in the school bookstore.“The Geometer”, a geometry template available in the school bookstore. CompassCompass ProtractorProtractor

Structure of the class Study Teams During this course you will collaborate with other students as a member of a study team. Together, each team will complete problems and activities that will help you discover new mathematical ideas and methods. This is a very student-centered class. I will support you as you work, but will not take away your opportunity to think and investigate for yourself. In order to be successful in this class you will need to be a willing and active participant as you develop your mathematical understanding.

Guidelines for Working in Study Teams Follow these guidelines for working in study teams: No talking outside your team.No talking outside your team. Discuss questions with your team before calling the teacher over.Discuss questions with your team before calling the teacher over. Within your team, keep your conversation on mathematics.Within your team, keep your conversation on mathematics. You must try to help anyone in your study team who asks.You must try to help anyone in your study team who asks. Helping your teammate does not mean giving answers. Help by giving hints and asking good questions.Helping your teammate does not mean giving answers. Help by giving hints and asking good questions. Explain and justify your ideas; give statements and reasons.Explain and justify your ideas; give statements and reasons. No one alone is as smart as all of us together. Do not leave anyone behind or let anyone work ahead. Your team is not done until everyone is done.No one alone is as smart as all of us together. Do not leave anyone behind or let anyone work ahead. Your team is not done until everyone is done. Clear off tables before getting to work so that you can see everyone’s paper.Clear off tables before getting to work so that you can see everyone’s paper. Use study team voices.Use study team voices.

Grading Scale A: 90 – 100% B: % B: % C: % C: % D: % D: % F: 59.9% or below (You earn this!) F: 59.9% or below (You earn this!) Note: Your grade in Geometry is weighted!Note: Your grade in Geometry is weighted! –65% Individual Tests –25% Team Tests and Small Quizzes –10% Coursework Current grades are also accessible on the parent viewer.Current grades are also accessible on the parent viewer.

Assistance & Homework Help Assistance: I am here to help you so if at any time you are having a problem pertaining to this class please see me immediately so that we can remedy the problem as quickly as possible. I am available most days before and, possibly, after school. The Math Lab is also available during the school day.Assistance: I am here to help you so if at any time you are having a problem pertaining to this class please see me immediately so that we can remedy the problem as quickly as possible. I am available most days before and, possibly, after school. The Math Lab is also available during the school day. Homework & Homework Help: It is important that you complete EVERY homework problem. This course is designed to “spiral”, meaning that topics are visited more than once, so you need to do all problems to get a complete understanding of the material. Hints and solutions to select homework problems are available online under the student tab at CPM also has many valuable resources for you and your parents (resource pages, skill builders, parent guides, etc.) at & Homework Help: It is important that you complete EVERY homework problem. This course is designed to “spiral”, meaning that topics are visited more than once, so you need to do all problems to get a complete understanding of the material. Hints and solutions to select homework problems are available online under the student tab at CPM also has many valuable resources for you and your parents (resource pages, skill builders, parent guides, etc.) at

Assignments & Grading Assignments will be posted in the classroom and online. It is your responsibility to write them down in class or find them online.Assignments will be posted in the classroom and online. It is your responsibility to write them down in class or find them online. Both a Team Test and an Individual Test will be given after each unit of study and will always be announced in advance. Quizzes will be given periodically, and they may or may not be announced.Both a Team Test and an Individual Test will be given after each unit of study and will always be announced in advance. Quizzes will be given periodically, and they may or may not be announced. Formative Assessments, Presentations, and Class Observations will also factor into your grade.Formative Assessments, Presentations, and Class Observations will also factor into your grade. Cumulative projects will be given periodically during the course. They will be discussed in more detail when assigned.Cumulative projects will be given periodically during the course. They will be discussed in more detail when assigned. I will not grade on a curve nor will grades be rounded. However, bonus questions will appear occasionally.I will not grade on a curve nor will grades be rounded. However, bonus questions will appear occasionally.

On my page, you will find daily lessons, homework, upcoming tests and quizzes as well as some of the class resources. To get to my page follow these steps: 1. Go to the Solon Schools web page 2. Choose Schools 3. Choose SHS Scroll down to my name (Damien Kopkas) 5. Choose “Calendar” from the bottom 6. Choose the appropriate class Internet Information

Tonight’s Assignment Write down 3 personal goals you have and find and write down 1 positive quote that inspires you.Write down 3 personal goals you have and find and write down 1 positive quote that inspires you. Visit the class website. Click on links and familiarize yourself with what is available online.Visit the class website. Click on links and familiarize yourself with what is available online. Complete Student Information Sheet.Complete Student Information Sheet.

We’re All in This Together! Welcome to Geometry! I am looking forward to assisting you in learning and have high expectations of you for this year. If we work together, it will be a rewarding and successful year for all!