THE NEWMAN SCHOOL
IB MATH STUDIES SL
Course Syllabus for 2011-2012
Mr. McCallum Room 54
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course covers a wide variety of topics and is designed for students who have already taken algebra 2 and geometry. Students who have a serious interest in mathematics or who plan to major in a scientific field should take either the SL or HL course.
Areas of study include an introduction to naïve set theory, measurement, logic, a review of algebra, functions (including but not limited to topics such as domain, range, one to one, inverse functions, graphing and shifting graphs, the algebra of functions, and quadratic functions), analytic geometry, full coverage of trigonometry including the law of sines and law of cosines from first principles, sequences and series, financial mathematics, probability and statistics, and basic coverage of differential calculus.
TEXTBOOKS AND REQUIRED MATERIALS:
1) Mathematics for the International Student: Mathematical Studies SL, Coad, Whiffen et al, 2004
2) IB classes require a graphing calculator. Please consult the list of approved calculators before you make a purchase. Roughly speaking, calculators capable of symbolic mathematics are not acceptable.
OPTIONAL MATERIALS:
1) GeoGebra is freeware that functions as a powerful graphing calculator and is capable of symbolic mathematics. I'll occasionally make use of it in class and it will be helpful to have, but it's optional: http://www.geogebra.org/cms
GRADING:
Quizzes: 50%
Homework: 30%
Participation and effort: 20%
Homework will be collected at the start of each class. Any student with incomplete homework will be assigned to tutorial to make it up. Quizzes will be announced at least three days in advance and must be made up on the first day back in case of absence. Each semester comprises two quarters and the semester grade will be the average of the two quarterly grades.