Calculus Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Lori McKenzie
Email: lmckenzie@redeemer-oakmont.org
Schedule: M T W Th, 9:09 - 9:57 AM; F, 10:30 - 11:27 AM
Room: 204
Afterschool Assistance: Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 at Idaho campus
Course Overview: Calculus is the mathematics of change, motion, and accumulation. This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of differential and integral calculus, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical application. Students will explore how rates of change and areas under curves shape the world around us—from physics and engineering to economics and biology. Through problem-solving, real-world modeling, and analytical reasoning, students will develop the skills needed for success in college-level mathematics and STEM fields.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Understand limits and continuity as the basis of calculus
Differentiate functions and apply derivatives to real-world problems
Integrate functions and interpret definite and indefinite integrals
Analyze the behavior of functions using calculus tools
Solve problems involving motion, optimization, and accumulation
Communicate mathematical reasoning clearly and effectively
Course Materials
Binder with loose-leaf paper
Two different colors of pens, pencils
Calculator (graphing calculator NOT necessary)
Text: Calculus, 7th edition (Larson, Hostetler, & Edwards, 2002)
Class Handouts
Course Activities: small group work, lecture and discussion, guided practice
Types of Assignments: homework, quizzes, unit tests
Assignment Values
25% Homework
25% Quizzes
50% Tests (including Unit Tests and Final Exam)
Homework: Students will have daily homework assignments. Students are expected to complete homework on time and to the best of their ability. Students may redo all or part of any homework assignment one time; they will receive an additional half-credit for all corrected work. For example, if a student initially scored a 0/5 on a homework question and re-submitted the question with a correct answer, the student would receive 2.5 points. Homework must be redone and submitted by the following class period.
Quizzes: Students will take one to three quizzes per unit to assess their progress in understanding the topic. Students will not be permitted to retake quizzes for credit.
Tests: Students will take three to four tests per trimester and a final exam at the end of the third trimester. As with homework, students may redo all or part of a test one time; they will receive an additional half-credit for all corrected work. Unit tests must be redone and submitted within 48 hours. However, students will not be able to make corrections on the Final Exam.
Late or Missing Work: Students will receive a 25% deduction for each day an assignment is late. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances. Missing work will be accepted for up to three days after the original due date; students will receive a 0% after that time.
Extra Credit: The school’s academic policy does not allow for extra credit.
Teacher Expectations
To treat all students with respect, dignity, and caring
To return graded assignments and tests within two days
To announce quizzes with at least two-days' notice and tests with a one-week notice
Student Expectations
To come to class prepared with a binder, paper, and pens/pencils
To complete assignments on time and accurately using original work
To engage in the learning process and take responsibility for learning
Classroom Expectations
Treat peers and the teacher with respect and dignity
Follow school rules
Ask for permission before leaving the classroom
Clean up after yourself!
Course Calendar
Unit Topic Time Frame (Days)
1 Introduction to Calculus 22
2 Differentiation 17
3 Differentiating Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions 15
4 Contextual Applications of Derivatives 15
5 Analytical Applications of Derivatives 18
6 Integration and Accumulation of Change 22
7 Differential Equations 13
8 Applications of Integration 18
9 Vectors and the Geometry of Space 14
Review & Final Exam: 5/18 - 5/29/26