Precalculus CP

Teacher: Josh Porter

Email: jbporter@greenville.k12.sc.us

Phone: 355-6654 (voice mail)

Room: B220 |    Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 3:45 PM-4:15 PM

Course Textbook:

Precalculus with Limits (Cengage)

Course Description:

This course is a program of mathematical studies focusing on the development of the student's ability to understand and apply the study of functions and advanced mathematics concepts to solve problems. The course will include a study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Emphasis is placed on active participation through modeling, technology lab activities, group activities, and communication in mathematics. Students are expected to use technology, including graphing calculators, computers, and data-gathering equipment throughout the course.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Aligned to the 2025 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Pre-Calculus Standards, by the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Analyze, combine, compose, transform, and invert functions using algebraic, graphical, numerical, and tabular representations; analyze polynomial, rational, piecewise, exponential, and logarithmic functions to model and solve mathematical and real-world situations.

2. Develop and apply trigonometric concepts using radians, the unit circle, graphs, inverse functions, identities, equations, the Laws of Sines and Cosines, arc length, and sector area; identify and analyze conic sections and polar relationships.

3. Represent and solve problems involving systems of equations, matrices, determinants, vectors, and complex numbers in rectangular and polar form while using technology, strategic problem-solving, precise mathematical language, and justification to communicate reasoning and make real-world connections.

Course Outline/ Scope and Sequence

First Quarter

• Introduction to Functions
• Polynomial Functions
• Rational Functions
• Exponential Functions
• Logarithmic Functions
• Systems of Equations
• Matrices and Determinants

Second Quarter

• Trigonometry: Unit Circle and Graphing
• Trigonometry: Equations and Identities
• Additional Trigonometry Topics
• Vectors
• Conics
• Polar and Complex Numbers

Daily Lesson Plans: Daily lesson plans, assignments, and course resources will be posted in Google Classroom.

Annotated Book List:

• Not applicable; no supplemental annotated books are required for this course.

Required Materials:

1. 3-ring notebook or folder

2. Chromebook, fully charged each day

3. Scientific or graphing calculator (TI-83, TI-84, or TI-84 Plus recommended)

4. Writing utensil

Classroom Expectations:

Students are expected to:

1. Be on time. Students should be seated and ready to work when the bell begins to ring.

2. Be prepared. Come to class daily with all required materials, including a charged Chromebook and completed assignments.

3. Be respectful. Act respectfully toward other students and the teacher; refrain from disruptive behavior and inappropriate language; remain in the assigned seat; follow directions; and help keep the classroom neat and clean.

4. Be involved in class. Participate actively in classroom activities and refrain from actions that prevent participation, including sleeping or completing work for other classes.

All policies listed in the student handbook will be enforced, including policies related to late/make-up work, tardies, and technology.

Classroom consequences: First offense - verbal warning; second offense - parent contact; third offense - detention; thereafter - administrative referral.

Course Policies:

Grading Practices

• 60% Major Grades (tests); 40% Minor Grades (classwork, homework, quizzes, and activities).

Schoolwide Makeup Work Policy

• Students have 1 school day for each absence to

– submit missed work for full credit -OR-

– arrange a new due date with the teacher within 5 school days (extenuating circumstances)

– Make-up Tests will be scheduled by the teacher

• After this window, work is considered late

Schoolwide Late Work Policy (Does not apply to AP Courses)

●     All minor assignments and projects will have a Due Date and a Final Deadline.

1.    Due Dates are the initial day an assignment is due.

2.    The Final Deadline is the last day an assignment will be accepted for credit.

3.    Assignments submitted after the Due Date but before the Final Deadline may receive a late penalty.

• Minor Assignments and Homework

– If not submitted by the Due Date: a grade of 0 will be recorded.

– A Late Penalty of up to 40 points will be applied if the assignment is submitted before the Final Deadline.

– Final Deadline: no work will be accepted after the end of the quarter.

• Tests (Major Assessment)

– Make-up Tests will be scheduled by the teacher

– A student who refuses to take a scheduled test while present at school will receive a final grade of 0 on the assessment.

• Projects (Major Assessment)

– If not submitted by the Due Date: a grade of 0 will be recorded.

– A Late Penalty of up to 40 points will be applied if the project is submitted before the Final Deadline.

– Final Deadline: no project will be accepted after the end of the quarter.

MagicSchool Syllabus Statement

This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.

Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Generative AI Syllabus Statement

This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.

●     Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.

●     Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.
  

●     Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.

●     Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

●     Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.