St. Francis High School Syllabus and Course Requirements

Course: Geometry

Instructor: Mr. R. S. Garrett

Textbook: GEOMETRY: Integration, Applications, Connections, Glencoe

Course Description: This is a one-year course designed to familiarize students with the concepts of Euclidean Geometry and deductive reasoning. The difference between inductive and deductive reasoning will be emphasized, as will the concept of mathematical proof. Familiarity with basic algebra will be needed, but the geometry ideas will largely stand on their own. Difficulty in algebra need not mean difficulty in geometry.

Course Objectives: After successfully completing Geometry, the student will:

1. Be familiar with the concept of mathematical definitions, with an understanding of the need for rigor and specificity. 2. Have a working knowledge of the various axioms and postulates that provide the foundation for deductive reasoning. 3. Be able to complete a proof, whether in a formal two-column format, a more informal paragraph format, or an indirect proof. 4. Understand the type of information that can be gained from diagrams, whether or not they are drawn to scale. 5. Understand many of the relationships in polygons involving angles, edges, diagonals, etc. 6. Understand many of the relationships in circles involving angles, chords, secants, etc. 7. Understand the concepts of area, surface area, volume, and perimeter. 8. Understand the concepts of congruency and similarity. 9. Understand the relationships between parallel and perpendicular segments. 10. Be able to use coordinate geometry. 11. Gain skill with ruler and compass, and come to appreciate the beauty and logic of classical constructions. 12. Given time and interest, explore some of the many topics that an understanding of basic geometry allow, such as Non-Euclidean Geometries, Fractals, the concept of Dimension, etc.

Instructional Activities and Procedures: Each day will begin with a 5 to 10 minute warm- up activity designed to reinforce previously learned skill, introduce new material, prepare for an upcoming exam, or expand the students’ view of what mathematics is about. As much time as is necessary will be spent correcting and answering questions about the previous assignments. Students must take responsibility for asking all the questions they need to ask in order to understand the material. The new material will be introduced, with examples and discussion as appropriate, followed by supervised practice. Assignments may include reading and writing. NOTEBOOK:

As we move through the text, the students are required to maintain a three-ring binder notebook, dedicated to this class only, which will be divided into three sections as follows:

1. Definitions: As we work through the text, the vocabulary highlighted in yellow will be entered into the notebook in dictionary format. Precise definitions should be used, but paraphrasing can follow if needed.

2. Axioms and Postulates: We will throw out certain simple ideas to be accepted as true without proof (Example: Through any two points you can draw exactly one line). These will form the basis of proof of less obvious ideas.

3. Theorems: Once a fact has been proven, it becomes a theorem, and can be used to prove even more complex ideas.

The notebook can be used on exams, and cannot include anything not listed above. No homework, worked out examples, class notes, handouts, etc.

This notebook will be collected and graded at least once each grading period.

Student Requirements: Each student is required to:

1. Bring a three-ring binder with a supply of paper, pencils, and textbook each day the class meets. 2. A TI-83 or better calculator should be brought to class each day. 3. Complete all assignments on time and in a well-organized and legible manner. 4. Successfully complete all tests and quizzes, and final exams. 5. Assume responsibility for learning. They must ask questions as necessary. 6. Contribute to a class atmosphere of curiosity and cooperation. Aggressive or rude behavior, tardiness, or arriving unprepared for class violates this requirement. 7. Students must maintain a notebook, as described above.

Evaluation: Grades will be based on a combination of exams, homework, class participation, and semester final exams. Homework will be 25% of the grade, chapter exams 40%, class participation 10%, notebook 10%, and semester final exams 15%.

Homework: Homework assignments will be made on most days, with time allowed in class to begin and to make sure the students understand the material sufficiently well to finish on their own. It is the student’s responsibility to ask about any assignments missed due to an excused absence, and to make them up in a reasonable amount of time, for full credit. Late assignments will be given only 60% credit. Assignments or exams missed due to truancy will receive a score of zero with no makeup possible. Truancy routinely leads to failure in the course.

Ronald S. Garrett Phone: (502) 736-1036 e-mail: [email protected]

** e-mail is by far the preferred mode of communication.