Advanced Placement Calculus

The students will go in depth in the study of limits, derivatives, and integrals. They will  rely heavily on the success of prior coursework in the field of mathematics. All students will need to prove proficiency with and without the graphics calculator. Since this is a college level course, it will culminate with an optional national exam that may earn college credit.  This optional test is set by the college board sometime in May.

Key Course Learning Experiences

• Students will review pertinent mathematical skills needed to be successful.

• Students will define and calculate the limits of function values. Limits will be found by substitution, graphical investigation, numerical approximation, or a combination of these. 

• Students will find the slope of a tangent line using a variety of rules depending upon the function. 

• Students will discover the use of first and second order derivatives.  

• Students will learn the fundamental theorem of calculus which will allow them to find the area under a curve, as well as making approximations using riemann sums.

• Students will learn how to find the volume of an object should a curve be rotated around a set axis. 

• Students will examine slope fields, and the effects of exponential growth/decay. 

Essential Learning Goals 

Problem Solving (30%) 

• Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.

Procedural Skills (40%) 

• Students will effectively solve a problem using sound mathematical procedures.

Communication (30%) 

• Student can explain mathematical thinking coherently.

Major Assessments and Success Criteria

Calculus the study of limits, derivatives, and integrals. Students will engage in formative practices, summative assessments, and unit tasks employing the essential learning goals listed above as applied to mathematical reasoning.Through a process of reflection and revision, students will work towards mastery of his/her learning. Assessments will be multifaceted with an emphasis on skills that will enhance their upper level math thinking, and will relate mathematics to the real world.