COURSE DESCRIPTION
Instructors: Mr. Wharton
Math Office: M 102
Physical Materials:
Device : make sure you charge it at night, bring your charger to school, and plug in anytime you
are near an outlet
TI-Nspire : No sharing Calculators. You can download the software if you still have the instructions
that came with your Nspire.
Pencils and Paper
Three-ring binder : with divider sheets (you should have a section for class
handouts, homework, notes, and assessments)
Online Materials:
Zoom links:
E-slot: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82565898390?pwd=dnFZOFNjQ2FRMUMwZFc3cEF2S2pMdz09
F-slot: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86565696865?pwd=ZTNhWXpXWUEvOEM1cklKU3FFNksvdz09
Digital Textbook: This one...
Google Classroom: Google classroom will play a large role for announcement and for handing in
digital work.
Google Calendar: Use google calendar to keep track of upcoming assessments.
Syllabus / Google Sheets: For keeping track of assignments.
AP classroom: https://myap.collegeboard.org/
E-slot classroom Code: KNW3D4
F-slot classroom Code: KXJAYE
Various websites and online programs: We will be using a variety of online tools including
Desmos, Pear Deck, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Khan Academy, etc.
Course Description: This course will prepare you to take the national AP Calculus BC exam
in May. For that exam, you will need to know all of the topics included in
the AB curriculum, as well as variety of new topics that we will go into in
depth this year. Realize that a lot of schools only offer BC as a 2 or 3
semester course. You have a huge advantage in that (a) you get 4
semesters of Calculus; (b) you’ve already taken a Calculus AP so you
know what it’s all about; and (c) you go to Wheeler, where everyone is
above average.
Homework: The best way to learn mathematics is to do it yourself. It typically doesn't just sink in from
watching someone else do it. You need to engage in the gentle struggle of problem-solving
that leads you from initial confusion, which is normal, through a sort of copying phase, to a
final understanding of the material. It may sometimes seem repetitive, but the more problems
that you work through, the better you will master the concepts. Homework will be assigned
almost every day.
Homework should be handed in through google classroom.
Tests and Quizzes:
You will have short quizzes, flashcard quizzes, and unit tests (50 min.),
as well as a comprehensive midyear exam. You will not have final exam,
however the AP Exam in May is mandatory. We will have two review days before
each test. The day after the test we will go over the test, spend more time on
the material, and then the following day you will take a similar test. My hope
is that this will help everyone master concepts by getting a second chance.
If you get a “solid” A (95% or above) on the first test, you are not required to
take the “makeup” and you get a free period…a little incentive to master the
material on the first try. For those taking both, I will take the average of the
two to get your test grade for that unit.
Also, under no circumstance are you allowed to try to locate tests from previous
years. I collect tests to try to avoid the temptation for academic dishonesty, but
there should also be no sharing of information from tests with members of the
class or other classes that have not yet taken the test.
Grades: Your grade will be calculated using scores on from homework assignments, quizzes,
chapter tests and the midyear exam.
Buddy System: As a kid you probably used a buddy system in emergencies to make sure no one
got left behind. I've been playing with ideas for how to make sure no one in this
class gets left behind….so each of you will have a buddy. As well as making sure
that you find success in this class, it is up to you to make sure that your buddy is
also on track. Use your buddy for help in class, on homework, and while studying.
By teaching someone a concept, it also helps solidify your own understanding. I
would like to incorporate some sort of incentive for buddy pairs that succeed.
This is my first time trying this so we’ll go with the following for the first unit. I will
award extra credit to each buddy pair that works well together, has A’s for
homework averages, and shows improvement from Test A to Test B.
Goals: My goal is to make sure every BC student has complete confidence going into the AP exam.
I want to see you succeed both in this class AND on the exam. I am hopeful that you will all
do everything in your power to master the material. This is a national exam and our scores
do matter. It matters for the school and it matters for me. Please take it seriously and do
everything you can to hold your head high and walk away proud at the end of the year. We have
a tradition of being a school filled with very strong math students. Let’s keep that tradition going.
If you pay attention in class, seek help when needed, and work hard throughout the whole year,
you’ll be well prepared for the AP. I want you all to get A’s, I want you all to get 5’s.
I will do everything I can to get you there but in the end it is completely up to each of you.
Expectations for Student Engagement in Math Classes
Consistently complete homework assignments thoroughly and on time. This includes all aspects of your teacher’s expectations for homework, including checking your answers, collaboration, format, etc.
Come to class prepared with homework done, any questions ready to ask, class binder in order, pencils ready, calculator & computer ready.
Come to class on time, don’t leave the classroom frequently, stay on task until class is dismissed.
Actively listen during class discussions and be willing to contribute your own ideas.
Collaborate with others in class respectfully and positively.
Embrace the struggle when stuck or working on difficult problems. Don’t simply give up right away, but take risks trying out new ideas and techniques.
Take responsibility for your learning: take class/homework notes when appropriate, review previous material as needed to learn from mistakes, ask questions in class or the math office, strive to keep a “growth mindset”.
Strive to build on your prior knowledge to make new connections.
Communicate and follow up with your teacher when missing a class -- see Math Department absence policy doc.
What to do if you are absent from class:
1. If you miss a regular class day (no quiz or test), keep up with the class by watching the videos for that section and attempt the homework as well.
2. If you miss a day when we take a test or quiz, it is important to be aware that anticipated and unanticipated absences have different expectations.
o Anticipated absence: If you know you are going to miss a test or quiz (for a doctor’s appointment, family trip, early sports dismissal, etc.), then you need to inform your teacher in the math office or in class prior to that day so that we can schedule a time for you to take a make-up test.
o Unanticipated absence: If you miss a test or quiz due to unforeseen circumstances (illness, etc.),
then you must find your teacher on your first day back to school, even if it is your drop day.
This policy on absences is a Math Department policy and the following consequences have been agreed
on by the math faculty. Your score on that test or quiz will be reduced by 5% unless you delay seeing your
teacher even longer (more than a day or two), and then additional score reductions will kick in.
What to do if you want to use extended time on a test:
Meet with your teacher to schedule an extended time slot at least one day prior to the test. If you fail to
plan ahead, you are required to take the test without extended time during class.