IB Discrete Math

IB Discrete Math

Echopoint

Syllabus

Textbook - Thinking Mathematically; Prentice Hall; ©2005

Supplies - For this class you will need the following supplies:

Homework - You should expect homework assignments every night, and it is critical that you do not fall behind. The previous night's homework will be corrected in class daily. There will be an opportunity to ask questions each day and I invite you to do so since questioning is a vital part of the problem solving process. You should keep your homework in a 3-ring binder or spiral notebook because you are allowed and encouraged to use your homework and notes on all tests and quizzes. Each Monday you will be required to submit all the homework from the previous week.

Assessments - We will have an exam at the end of each unit of study. The exams will often be broken up over two days. We may also have periodic quizzes to check how things are going. Points will be given for both showing reasonable work and getting a correct answer. There will be a large exam at the end of each semester. All of the topics that were covered during that semester will be assessed. You are encouraged to use any notes, homework, or handouts during all assessments.

Retakes - You may retake any tests during the course of the semester subject to the following guidelines:

  1. The retake must be completed within a week after the test has been returned
  2. Retakes must be taken either before or after school (arrange a time with Mr. LaViollette)
  3. Your test score will be the higher of the two exams
  4. There are no retakes on final exams
  5. You will need to complete or correct a specific assignment in order to be given the retake
  6. If you are absent when the first test is given, the retake is your only opportunity

Explorations - At various times during the course, we will do explorations to help clarify the we are studying. These explorations may include hands-on constructions, lab work on the computers, games, discussions, or other activities.

Projects - The course requires the completion of a long-term project. To prepare for this, we will do a series of smaller projects that will focus on the various aspects of the long-term project.

Grades & Grading scale - The following percentages comprise your class grade:

All grades will be determined using the following scale:


-
+
A 90-92.9% 93-100%
B 80-82.9% 83-86.9% 87-89.9%
C 70-72.9% 73-76.9% 77-79.9%
D
60-66.9% 67-69.9%
F
0-59.9%

 

Because of the opportunities for retakes, I will NOT round up your overall percentage (no matter how close you are to the next grade!) If you have truly given your best effort, then you should be proud of the grade you have earned.

Scope & Sequence:

1st semester

  • Introduction to Graphing Calculators
  • Introduction to the Project
  • Problem Solving
  • Set Theory & Logic
  • Number Theory
  • Statistics
  • Algebraic functions
  • Financial Mathematics

2nd semester

  • Geometry & Trigonometry
  • Graph Theory
  • Probability
  • Introduction to Differential Calculus
  • Alternative Mathematical Systems
  • Voting & Apportionment

 

Classroom Policies -

1) Be respectful of the teacher, visitors, other students, and all property

  • Use "Please" and "Thank you"
  • Honesty at all times
  • Cheating will be punishable by loss of credit on the assignment, project, or exam

2) No Food or Drink (with the exception of water)

  • Do not ask to leave to get food, pop, or milk

3) You will be given 4 hall passes for the semester

  • Each unused pass is worth 5 pts extra credit (homework) at the end of the semester

4) No electronic devices in class (no pagers, no cell phones, no video games, etc.)

  • Please put these items away before entering the room
  • If you are found using it in class, you will need to reclaim it from the administration

5) Disciplinary policies will be followed from the CHS or OSD student handbooks.

Absence Policy -

1) Make every effort to be in class, on-time each day

  • absences can lower a grade very quickly

2) If you have a pre-arranged absense, please see me beforehand so we can find a way to plan for what you will miss.

3) If you have an unplanned absense during the week, please:

  • Contact a friend for the notes and assignment, or
  • Send me an e-mail before 2:30 that school day to slaviollette@osd.wednet.edu, or
  • Call the school for a homework request, or
  • Check the calendar for the assignments when you return

4) If you are confused about something we studied, I am available for help before school at 7:20 each morning, or after school on any day except Wednesday until 3:30. I will be unavailable on some occasions due to other responsibilities.

5) You must have your homework checked off by Monday. If you have an excused absence on a Monday, then you are responsible for turning in your work on the day you return. You may turn in the work up to two days late for half credit if you come in before or after school.

6) Any other attendance or tardy policies shall be in-line with the student handbooks.

 

 

 

Final Exam Review

Topics & Sections covered during 2nd semester

 

IB Test Review Information

Syllabus Content (topics covered on the exam)

Specimen Exams (practice tests)

Information Booklet (formula sheet for the exams)

Additional IB Math Studies practice resources

 

 

Projects

Long-term Project Grading Criteria

Long-term Project Due Dates

Long-term Project Checklist

1) The Automobile Investigation

2) The Peanut Butter Project

Calendar

Click on the calendar to view the daily assignments (or work that you missed while you were gone...)

Weekly Calendar (PDF)

Mr. LaViollette's Blog (in case of school closure...)

Grades

To view student grades, use Skyward Parent Access and select the appropriate class for your student.

Skyward Family Access


Fractal Images are courtesy of Blatte's Fractals (http://exoteric.roach.org). Used by permission.