Miss Alicia Brinkman

Pre-Calculus/Trig, 2012-13 [email protected] Miss Alicia Brinkman (262) 369-3611

“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can – there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.” ~Sarah Caldwell

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Pre-Calculus/Trig. is designed for a full-year course following Geometry and Advanced Algebra to familiarize students thoroughly with the functions they will encounter in the subsequent Calculus course. Up to a semester will be spent on trigonometric and circular functions. The textbook is based on the premise that in order to succeed in Calculus, students must understand the idea that variables really vary, not simply stand for unknown constants. To achieve this knowledge, students use functions as mathematical models of real – world phenomena.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

 Students are expected to bring their calculator, textbook, notebook, and pencils to class every day.

 Students are expected to go to the bathroom, get a drink before class, and then be ready to learn.

 Students are expected to be in class daily, and notify the teacher when the student will be absent.

 Students are expected to give their best effort at all times, and have some fun! 

 Students are expected to get help from me or other classmates when needed.

 Students will be expected to find the “whys” and “hows”, not just the answers.

18 Week Grading Semester Grading Quizzes 35% 18-Wk Grade 85% Tests/Projects 55% Final Exam 15% Homework Sets 10%

GRADING SCALE:

99 – 100 A+ 87 – 89 B+ 77 – 79 C+ 67 – 69 D+ Below 59 Don’t think 93 – 98 A 83 – 86 B 73 – 76 C 63 – 66 D about it! 90 – 92 A– 80 – 82 B– 70 – 72 C– 60 – 64 D– STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

NOTES: A notes sheet will be handed out in class daily, and after the lesson, notes will be posted on my website. I recommend a three ring binder to keep all of your work. Students will participate in Exploration activities after nearly every lesson. These will also be handed out during the class time. Occasionally students will be required to take notes prior to the lesson – an outline will be provided.

HOMEWORK: Assignments will be given daily. Expect your homework graded on average of once or twice per chapter. Homework assignments will be collected every Monday at the beginning of class. Homework sets will be work typically 20 – 25 points. QUIZZES: Expect weekly quizzes, about 2 – 3 per chapter. Students have until the day of the cumulative chapter exam to make up missed work for that chapter. TESTS: There will be a comprehensive test given every chapter/unit. Students have until the subsequent test to complete a missed test. Students will be allowed to retake ONE test per semester. Tests that are retaken will be graded as follows: 25% of original test + 75% of retake test = overall test grade. POW: About once or twice a month there will be a Problem Of the Week. Students will have one week to complete the problem for one extra credit point. These points will be added at the end of the semester to a student’s overall grade.

Recommended MATERIALS FOR ADVANCED ALGEBRA: 1. Pencil and some erasers – absolutely no pens. 2. Three ring binder with loose-leaf paper and/or notebook for homework. 3. A TI-Inspire Calculator – all students should have this from Adv. Algebra/Functions. 4. Smile and a positive attitude! 

MS. BRINKMAN’S SCHEDULE:

1st South campus cubicles 2nd Trig/Pre-Calculus Rm 304 3rd Trig/Pre-Calculus Rm 304 4th Geo/Adv. Algebra Rm 304 5th Geo/Adv. Algebra Rm 304 6th Lunch 7th Geo/Adv. Algebra Rm 308 8th Geo/Adv. Algebra Rm 308 9th South campus cubicles 10th South campus cubicles

HELP! I get an awesome opportunity to help you fully understand the math material we are learning. Advanced mathematics classes can be challenging, therefore if you don’t understand material, or do not do well on a quiz or test, please come in for help. I will make myself available as much as possible, and if I am not available, please schedule a time to meet. Before school I am at south, after school I am at north. All else said and done, it will be a great semester ! !