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IMP 2 Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mr. Steve Wyss
Office: B217
Email: Steve_Wyss@dpsk12.org
Voicemail: (720) 424-1806
Prerequisites: One year of high school algebra or successful completion and teacher recommendation from IMP 1.
Course Overview
This is the second course of DSA’s three-year IMP
curriculum. This course will focus on these mathematical strands:
Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics. The
students will learn this mathematics through a series of thematical
units in which mathematics is presented in context. Students will
be expected to do homework daily. Students will also be taught
the appropriate mathematical skills and be expected to use appropriate
technology. This course will mainly focus on understanding and
becoming better mathematical problem solvers. IMP has been
designated exemplary by the US Department of Education.
Course Outline
1. Shadows Unit
A. Similarity and Congruence
B. Right Triangles and Trigonometry
C. Algebra of Proportions
D. Logical Reasoning and Proof
E. Parallel Lines and Angles
F. Experiments and Data
2. Do Bees Build It Best?
A. Area
B. Pythagorean Theorem
C. Surface Area and Volume
D. Trigonometry
E. Review Ideas from the Shadows Unit
3. Cookies
A. Using Variables to Represent Problems
B. Variables, Equations and Inequalities
C. Graphing
D. Reasoning Based on Graphs
E. Word Problems
4. All About Alice
A. The Operation of Exponentiation
B. Laws of Exponents
C. Graphing, Table, Rule for Exponential Functions
D. Logarithms
E. Scientific Notation
5. Is There Really a Difference?
A. Setting Up Statistical Investigations
B. Interpreting Data
C. Chi-Square Statistic
D. Normal Distribution and Standard Deviation Review
6. Fireworks
A. Quadratic Functions: Graph, Table, Rule
B. Factoring
C. Completing the Square
D. Transformation and Translation of Quadratics
Teaching Strategies
Students are taught mathematics visually, auditory and kinesthetically.
Students are also given the opportunity to use manipulatives to help
learn some concepts. Students are expected to work in cooperative
groups as well as independently.
The teacher believes in having high expectations for students.
Students will study enriching and rigorous mathematics.
The teacher will stress communication as a major goal of the
course. Students are expected to explain problems using proper
vocabulary and terms.
The teacher will require that students use graphing calculator
technology in the class. Students will better understand
mathematical concepts with the aid of this tool. Oftentimes the
student will use the calculator to develop an intuitive feel for
concepts before they are approached through other paper and pencil
typical techniques.
Text
Fendel, Resek, Alper, Fraser. Interactive Mathematics Program 2. California: Key Curriculum Press, 1998.
Supplies
1. Graphing Calculator ( a Texas Instruments 83 plus
or higher is preferred ). This is an expensive supply and is
strongly recommended, however students can get by without one.
2. Required--Graph paper
3. Required--Pencils
4. Required--Protractor and Ruler
5. Required--One 4-pack of AAA batteries ( for graphing calculator use )
6. Required--One Vis a Vis marker ( wet erase marker for use on overhead )
Attendance
Students are expected to be in class and on time. Tardiness
and/or absences can affect your understanding of mathematics. For
an excused absence students will have one week from the day of absence
to turn in their make up work, or in the case of multiple absences one
week from the day of the last absence in math class. Unexcused
absences will result in a zero on all work collected that class
period. Assignments will be posted online at
http://dsa.dpsk12.org and will be updated on a weekly basis.
Students are responsible for getting all makeup work and turning it in
on time.
Office Hours
Students may come in for extra help on Mondays after school from 2:45 –
3:30 in room B217. If this time conflicts with other arrangements
an individual appointment can be made.
Classroom Behavior
Respect, honesty and integrity are foundational to our classroom.
Anything less will not be tolerated and may result in a referral.
There is no food or drink allowed in class, other than water. No
music players, gameboys, recording devices or cell phones are
allowed. Any other electrical devices must seek the approval of
the teacher before they are allowed in class.
Grading
Semester grades will be determined by adding up points throughout the
semester. There will not be a separate grade for each 9 week
grading period and then averaged together. Students will be
graded for completing work and showing and/or explaining all work both
orally and in writing. There will be a semester assessment on all
work covered up to that time.
90 and up—A 80 -- 89
B 70 – 79 C 60 – 69
D <60 F
Breakdown of weighted grading system:
1. Tests and Quizzes ( 40% ): Up to two tests
will be given in each unit. A test half way through the unit and
at the end of the unit. There will also be a cumulative semester
assessment.
2. Problems of the Week POWs ( 25% ): These
problems are more in depth and require more time to complete.
Oftentimes these problems relate directly to what we are currently
studying, but occasionally they do not. Students are expected to
solve the mathematical problem and do a written report on each of these
problems. Report guidelines will be handed out in class. The
ceiling grade for a POW is a 95%, unless the student goes above/beyond
the general tasks assigned then said student can achieve up to a
100%. Students can see their teacher for ideas on how to reach
this. Students should start these problems the day they are
assigned. Students will be allowed to revise any POW write-up for
a better grade. This will only be allowed if the student turns the POW
in on time and the maximum revision score is a 90%. A POW can
also be turned in late for partial credit ( 50 – 60 % ).
3. Homework and Classwork ( 25 % ): Students
will have homework problems daily. Most homework will be checked
for completeness, occasionally homework will be collected and graded
for accuracy. Occasionally students will turn in class-work
assignments to be graded for accuracy as well. It is important to
what we do in class on a daily basis and how we build on and discover
new concepts daily that students have their homework completed each day
at the beginning of class. No late homework will be accepted for
credit.
4. Participation ( 10 % ): Students are
expected to present homework problems in front of the class regularly
as a part of their grade. The more times students present well,
the more participation points will be earned. Students are
expected to be organized, be audible, answer audience questions about
their methods and write all their ideas down so we can see it, in order
to get credit for presenting. Students are also expected to work
in groups and independently. Students that stay on task earn
participation points.
Signature Slip
I have read the syllabus for my IMP 2 class and I understand the
policies. Furthermore, I pledge that I will neither give nor
receive aid on any quiz, test, project or pow unless instructed to do
so by the teacher. I understand that dishonoring this pledge will
result in no credit for the assignment.
Student Name ( Print ) ___________________________
Student Signature _______________________________
I have read the syllabus for my son’s/daughter’s IMP 2 Math class and I have read the student honor pledge above.
Parent/Guardian Name ( Print )______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature__________________________
Parents: Please check whether you would like to check your
student’s grade using infinite campus, or if you would prefer to have a
paper progress report sent home with your student once every 3 weeks:
_____ I will check my student’s progress using Infinite Campus
_____ I will check my student’s progress with paper reports sent once every three weeks
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