AP Calculus BC

Course:       AP Calculus BC

Instructor:  Mr. VanHorne

Contact:      mark.vanhorne@sufsdny.org (preferred) or call 845-463-7810

Textbook:    Calculus, Concepts & Contexts, 4e edition by Stewart  (ISBN-13: 978-1-337-68766-9)

Course Description:  This course covers the material of Calculus AB and additional topics needed for Calculus BC such as parametric, polar and vector functions, Euler's Method, L'Hospital's Rule, improper integrals, and modeling with logistic differential equations. The AP portion concludes with an extensive study of sequences and series that includes the concepts of series, types of series, tests for convergence and divergence, Taylor and Maclaurin series, power series, radius and interval of convergence and the Lagrange error bound for Taylor polynomials. Topics covered following the AP exam may vary. A graphing calculator is required for use in this course and on the AP exam. The recommended calculator is the TI-Nspire CX CAS which may be signed out by students. The AP exam in May is required and must be taken in order to satisfy AP factor requirements.

Prerequisite: Precalculus Honors with at least an 85 average, and/or teacher recommendation.

Materials:  In addition to the textbook, which will be used for most assignments, students will need a notebook, loose leaf paper, pencils and erasers (please, no ink). Students will also have the opportunity to sign out and take home a district-owned TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator (and charger) for their individual use throughout the year. Students are responsible for bringing their calculator to class fully charged.

Attendance:  Excellent attendance is necessary to succeed in this course. Please make every effort to be on time every day and ready to go. Students are responsible for the material covered during any absence, as well as the corresponding homework assignment(s).

Assignments:  Assignments provide students an opportunity to practice what will be tested. Homework will be assigned daily and submitted regularly. All assignments are posted in Google Classroom. Assignments will receive a grade of 2, 1 or 0 points based upon completion and effort. Although homework can be challenging students are expected to give every problem their best effort, and are strongly encouraged to reach out for help when necessary. Note: Homework assignments spiral and therefore may not align with material covered in class that day.

Grading:  Overall grades for the course are based on a weighted points system. Homework points will be compiled and will count for 30% of the overall grade. The remaining 70% of a student’s grade will be calculated by the total points earned on quizzes and exams divided by the total number of possible points. Exams will generally be out of more points than quizzes.

Extra Help:  Students are welcome to stop by Room 106 for extra assistance before school, after school, or during Period 9. Other times may be available upon request.

Generative AI:  The use of generative AI tools is NOT permitted for any assignment in this course. Please be advised that submitting work created using generative AI tools may be considered a violation of Spackenkill High School’s Academic Integrity Policy (located on page 9 of the Student Handbook) and may result in disciplinary action.