Interactive Mathematics Program - Year I Teacher: Mr. Daniel Nacht Office: B106 Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 720-424-1760
Prerequisite/Recommendation: Successful completion of 8th grade Connected Mathematics and/or teacher recommendation. The student should be able to contribute creatively, productively, and responsibly in cooperative groups as well as in the whole class setting.
Course Description: IMP Math, The Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP), is a four-year secondary, comprehensive, problem-based mathematics curriculum that integrates traditional content, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, with other topics such as statistics and probability. The curriculum is designed to help all students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and how to apply them. It challenges students to explore open-ended situations actively, in the same way that mathematicians and scientists investigate in their work. Interactive Mathematics has been designated an exemplary mathematics program by the US Department of Education.
IMP I (unit names and topics covered) Patterns Exploration of Functions Introduction to Proof The Game of Pig Experimental and Theoretical Probability Mathematical Modeling using several representations Expected Value The Overland Trail Using functions to represent situations Rule of Four (mathematical representation in tables, graphs, equations and words) Lines/Curves of best fit Using functions and curves of best fit to extrapolate and interpolate information The Pit and the Pendulum Organizing and presenting data Review Measures of Central Tendency (mean. median, mode) Normal Distribution, Normal Curve, Mean and Deviation Shadows Angle relationships and similarity Lengths of sides and measures of angles of right triangles using sine, cosine, and tangent Determine and justify if two figures are similar Solve problems using ratio and proportion involving similar figures
Text: Interactive Mathematics: Year 1 (It is your responsibility to keep your text in good condition.)
Teacher Comments: This class will consist of a variety of activities that are designed to help you, the students, learn mathematics in a meaningful way. You are expected to do homework nightly. You will earn grades based on credit earned for homework, quizzes, tests, POWS, portfolios and constructive participation in groups and in class. Our goal is to become sophisticated mathematical problem solvers. Supplies: 1. Notebook: (3-ring binder with loose-leaf paper is recommended.) 2. Graph paper, Ruler (inches and centimeters), protractor and compass 3. Pencils/erasers and Pens (blue or black ink only). 4. Assortment of colored pencils. 5. Calculator: In order to be able to complete homework assignments, students should have at least a basic scientific calculator with trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic function capabilities. However, we strongly recommend that students use a graphing calculator (TI- 83/TI-83PLUS/TI-84 preferred). If you need to use a calculator from the classroom set, please bring a package of four AAA batteries.
Grading: Semester grades will be determined by a continuous accumulation of scores over the 18 - week semester (there will be no separate grades for each 9 weeks). Students will be graded for correctly completing work, showing all work, and explaining their processes both orally and in writing. Grading Scale 90% - 100% = A 80% - 89% = B 70% - 79% = C 60% - 69% = D < 60% = F
Course grades will be based on a weighted system using the following components: Tests and Quizzes (30%): (Complete in PENCIL.) This section of the course grade includes all quizzes, chapter tests and cumulative semester finals. Problems of the Week-POW’s (25%): (WORDPROCESS or complete in Blue or Black INK.) These problems are more in depth and require more time to complete. Often, they directly relate to what we are studying in class. Occasionally these problems may consist of unique mathematical topics. Students will be allowed to revise any POW submitted on time that earns less than a 90%. The maximum revision grade is a 90%. It is best to start these problems the day they are assigned. A POW may be turned in late for 50 – 60 % credit, but it must be complete and cannot be revised. Portfolios (10%): (WORDPROCESS or complete in Blue or Black INK.) Portfolios allow students to review and synthesize the material of the unit and evaluate their learning process. Late portfolios may earn between 50 and 60% credit. Portfolios are not eligible for revisions. Summative Homework and Classwork, Formal Presentations (15%): (Complete in PENCIL.) These assignments assess students’ understanding throughout the course. Homework is due at the beginning of class. To earn full credit, responses must be complete, correct, show all work/calculations, box or highlight the final calculated answer (with appropriate metrics), and provide written interpretation where indicated (with complete sentences). Formative Homework (10%): (Complete all homework in PENCIL.) Formative assignments allow students the opportunity to practice new skills. Formative homework assignments will not be accepted late. Participation (10%): Be prompt. This means that you are in class, with all your materials ready when class begins. Doing so allows you to earn credit for warm-up exercises. Be prepared. Have all your materials ready for the day. Be productive. Listen attentively, take notes and join the discussions by adding insights and/or asking questions. Participate in informal presentations. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Late Work: 1. Formative homework and participation assignments will not be accepted late. 2. POWs and portfolios will be accepted up to one week late* for partial credit. Late assignments will earn 50% to 60% of the credit. Late POW submissions may not be re- submitted with improvements. *No work will be accepted after the “End of Semester” deadline (To Be Announced in class).
ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend class daily and to be punctual (in your seat ready to work at the start of class). Scheduled Absence: (Doctor’s appointment, activity n your major, etc.) a.) You will not be at school at all the day of the absence: You are expected to get in touch with me prior to the absence to find out what you will miss. These assignments are due the day you return to school even if you do not have math that day. b.) You will be at school the day of the absence: You are expected to get in touch with me prior to the absence to find out what you will miss. These assignments are due the day you return to school even if you do not have math that day. In addition, you are expected to turn in any work due that day before you leave for the absence. Excused Absence: Work missed due to an Excused Absence may be made up for credit. You have two days for each day you were absent to complete the work and hand it in to me. If the work is not submitted in this time frame, you will earn a zero for the assignment(s). It is your responsibility to get all the information and clarification you need and to turn your wok in on time. Assignments can be found at http://dsa.dpsk12.org/. I strongly recommend you have a buddy system in place for absences. If you are absent the day of a test, assessment or in-class assignment, you are expected to make arrangements for taking the test the day you return to school, even if you do not have Math class that day. Unexcused absence: Work missed due to an Unexcused Absence cannot be made up for credit. If you have an Unexcused Absence, you will earn a zero for any classwork, homework, test or quiz given or collected that day. In addition, a referral will be sent to the Student Advisor. Tardies: Prompt attendance is important for your learning and the learning of your classmates. We will often start class with an activity that requires your participation. Below are the consequences for each tardy per semester (unless superceded by school policy): 1. First tardy - no consequences 2. Second tardy - detention in Mr. Nacht’s room 3. Third tardy - detention in Mr. Nacht’s room and a call to the student’s parent/guardian 4. Additional Tardies - referral to the Student Advisor. Notification to the School Nurse will follow district policy. Failure to serve detentions in Mr. Nacht’s room will result in a referral to the Student Advisor.
Non-Academic Materials: The following are not permitted in class. o Cell phones and pagers to remain in packs and purses (Parents, please do not call your student during class. In case of an emergency, please call the main office.) o Grooming supplies (makeup, perfume, lotion, cologne, brushes, etc.) o I-pods, walkmans, gameboys, etc. o Notes to/from friends o Food, gum and drinks (Water is OK) Language: In an effort to promote a comfortable working environment for all students (and teachers), this is a “G-rated” classroom. The use of mild cursing in class will result in a short detention. The detention assignment is a cleaning job in our classroom. Failure to serve detention will result in a referral to the Student Advisor. Severe cursing will result in an automatic referral to the office. ACADEMIC HONESTY: Academic honesty is a cornerstone of this class. Cheating and Plagiarism are never acceptable. Presenting someone else’s work as your own, whether that work is from a friend, the Internet, a parent, etc., is a form of cheating. Please review citation formats. If you choose to cheat on an assignment, test, or quiz, you will earn no credit for the assignment, test, or quiz. In addition, a referral will be sent to the Student Advisor.
VIDEOS: The Nova specials “The Proof,” “The Search for Longitude,” and “Super Bridge,” Apollo 13 and Stand and Deliver may be shown.
EXTRA HELP: Please see the schedule posted weekly in B106 for Tutoring times.
WEB INFORMATION: I will post homework information on the DSA website, http://dsa.dpsk12.org , and will update the information at least once every 2 weeks. Signature Page Please sign and return this section by the next class period.
I have read and understand the policy information for Interactive Mathematics I. If I have any questions, I will email Mr. Nacht at [email protected] or call him at 720-424-1760. Furthermore, I pledge to uphold the Academic Honesty expectations of Mr. Nacht, DSA and DPS and understand that dishonoring this pledge will result in earning no credit for the assignment as well as a referral to the student advisor’s office. Student Name (Printed)
Student Signature
Date
I have read and understand the policy information for Interactive Mathematics I and the Academic Honesty pledge above. If I have any questions, I will email Mr. Nacht at [email protected] or call him at 720-424-1750. Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
PARENTS: With the implementation of the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, you can now check your student's progress on line. It is my goal to have grades entered once a week.
Please keep the following factors in mind when consulting the parent portal:
* Due to the sheer number of papers submitted, it may take time to get all grades entered. * Due to school activities, field trips, student illness, art activities and other unforeseen delays, I may postpone the due date on an assignment. In these cases the portal due date may no longer be accurate. * I calculate grades over the entire semester, not by averaging two 9 weeks grade periods.