BC Calculus

Back to School Night 2024 is Tuesday, 9/17/2024

SUMMER ASSIGNMENT 2024

Welcome to Calculus!

BC Calculus is one of the most rigorous courses you will take in high school as we build upon your knowledge in AB Calculus and complete all additional topics covered on the BC Calculus and much more! This year’s exam date, Monday, May 12, 2025! To be successful, you need to be intuitive, motivated, and willing to put in the time to master the essential skills and the subtle nuances associated with the calculus curriculum. To get the most out of this course, it is important to understand the theory and techniques, internalizing them so you can retain it through the end of the school year and beyond!

Though the course may sound daunting, it is very doable. The small class size allows for very personalized, engaging (hopefully) lessons in which students can grapple with difficult problems and ask questions when necessary. Each concept and skill learned in calculus helps you solve a problem we could not easily solve earlier. If you understand the storyline and sequential development of calculus, the mechanics of the problem solving will become second nature through practice.

One of the keys to doing well in BC Calculus is to work smart:

Always pay attention, take good notes, and work through the practice problems given in class (rather than just wait for the solution to be on the board).
Do enough of the nightly (ungraded) homework to feel you have mastered the material.
Complete graded problem sets on your own before conferring with classmates - this lets you gauge your understanding of the problems.
Complete all digital assignments in a timely manner
Study for tests and quizzes actively (doing problems).

Grading - Total Points

- Tests, Quizzes, Projects
  - Two tests per marking period (approximately in week 4 and in week 8)
  - Skill quizzes between tests
  - One alternative assessment per quarter, typically due at the end
- Homework - Nightly (usually) homework - these are handed-in electronically or in person - graded on completion
- Weekly - 15-point assignment due the first day of class each week (graded for correctness)
- Classwork - This takes the form of Discussions, Notes/Comments, mini-presentations, and online investigations
- Digital Assignments (AP Classroom, Albert, Delta Math, Khan Academy etc.)
- Final Exam
  - Weighted as 10% of your grade (other marking periods now 22.5% apiece)
  - Exemption: (B-) or better each marking period and you take the AP Exam
  - Given the week of the AP exam in class (2 days)

Getting Started

As soon as possible, prepare yourself with some key tools to succeed.

Check out our Schoology page
You will need a graphing calculator (TI-83 or TI-84 recommended)
Three-Ring binder or notebook and folder
Applications we will use for class - download to your phone if you wish
Check out some online references we will use at times throughout the year:
The College Board creates a document for every AP course and updates when needed, typically every few years. Here is, if you are interested, the official College Board AP Calculus Course Description.
Twenty-five years of past BC Calculus FRQ Question

Extra Help

If you have questions or need help, seek help earlier rather than later!

Math Center (room 213) during lunch periods is always staffed by a math teacher.
I am available before, during, and after school for extra help by appointment - these times vary with the rotating schedule and my coaching responsibilities, but we can typically work it out (email or see me in-person to set-up an appointment), possibly even over Google Meet

Mobile Phones, Field Trips, Absences

Mobile phones, smart watches, and earbuds are generally not allowed to be on your person in class - please use the numbered storage location located in the room and remember to retrieve your phone after class or do not bring them at all. In the spirit of "Away for the Day", you will not be permitted to be on your phone at all. This policy and logistics will likely evolve as Ramsey's newly adopted student cell phone policy is put into play at the high school. Please familiarize yourself with the district's official policy.

Field trips are an important part of your educational experience meant to complement your studies in the classroom. That being said, it is crucial that you keep up with your work when you are not in the classroom. Plan ahead for such trips, and be sure you study the notes, talk to your classmates or your teacher for details.

Absences are inevitable, but try to keep them to a minimum. Do your best to keep up with your work when you are out, and communicate with your teacher to develop a timetable for makeup work when applicable.

Academic Integrity & Artificial Intelligence

Ramsey's Academic Integrity Policy is in effect at all times

Plagiarism is the practice of copying words, sentences, images, or ideas for use in written or oral assessments without giving proper credit to the source. Cheating is defined as the giving or receiving of illegal help on anything that has been determined by the teacher to be an individual effort. Both are considered serious offenses and will significantly affect your course grade. Please refer to the “Academic Integrity Policy” of the Student Handbook for detailed information.

Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.) has made a huge impact in a number of fields including education. While there are a number of responsible ways to use AI in all walks of life, it is meant to complement the skills you develop in this class, NOT take the place of them. While AI will not be ignored in this class, it is important to use it as directed by your teacher.

This district uses AI detection software to screen student work for generated content. Any work submitted in this course that makes use of AI services must properly attribute them. While AI can help generate ideas and content, the focus of assignments is on demonstrating your own independent thinking, analysis, and writing skills. Proper attribution of any AI-assisted work promotes academic integrity; failure to disclose use of AI may be considered plagiarism. To learn more, check out Ramsey's AI Integration Plan.

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