Mr.

Steve Wood
swood@asm.ac.ma

Course: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
This course includes all the topics of both Trigonometry and Pre-calculus. A thorough
treatment of trigonometry is provided through the study of trigonometric
definitions, applications, graphing, and solving trigonometric equations and
inequalities. Emphasis is placed on using connections between right triangle ratios,
trigonometric functions, and circular functions. A thorough treatment of pre-calculus
is provided through the study of polynomials, rational functions, logarithmic,
exponential, and inverse functions. Topics include continuity, maximum and
minimum points, an intuitive approach to limits, and rates of change. A
transformational approach to graphing is used with families of related graphs.
Numerical, graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered for all problems as
applicable. Emphasis is placed on problem solving techniques. Graphing utilities,
especially graphing calculators, are integral to the course. The essential skills are as
follows:

Expectations:
1. Respect: Showing respect to the Teacher as well as your classmates and
things in the classroom
2. Responsibility: You are expected to bring all essential materials with you to
class to be a productive student. This includes: Notebook, Paper, Pencil or
Pen, Book, Assignment or Homework. As a responsible student, you will be
expected to be organized, aware of all assignments and deadlines, and hold
yourself academically accountable.
3. Effort: You will be expected to try your very best each and every day. You will
ask questions when you do not understand, and set up arrangements for
after school help if needed.
4. Accountability: You are expected to be in class everyday and on-time. If you
are not able to make it to class or are sick, please be responsible and send an
email to notify me that you will not be in attendance. I can then send you
what we covered and work missed so that when you arrive, you will not be
behind.
5. Academic Honesty: You are expected to do your own work and learn the
material for yourself. This will help build retention of the material and provide
more of a foundation and stepping stone for a successful math career in high
school and college.

Materials Needed for class:

1. Notebook: 3 ring binder or large spiral notebook with enough room and paper
for all notes and handouts, etc for the whole year
2. Notebook paper for notes, homework exercises, warm-ups, etc
3. Writing utensils: Pen or pencils

4. Graphing Calculator: for upper levels this is essential, but not required for
Algebra or Geometry however will be useful to have and know how to
operate. TI-84 or TI-84Plus are great ones to have
5. Optional: colored pencils, markers, tape, scissors, glue, etc. We will be
making posters, foldables, graphic organizers, projects, and might be useful
to have.

Class Structure/Operating Schedule:

My class is a very organized and hands on learning environment. There will
be a mix of lecture to deliver the new content, followed by guided practice through
small group work, activities, games, posters, then independent practice. There will
be lots of formative assessments through the week through warm-ups of content
from previous days as well as activities to monitor achievement. Homework is a
chance for students to practice the new content, make mistakes and learn from
them and practice to improve. Therefore, homework is checked for completion
rather than right or wrong. Students will be keeping a detailed notebook which will
include all notes and activities and handouts in a structured, organized way which
will be monitored and checked before each unit test. When it comes to
assessments, I like to end the week with a review day of content covered and
allowing students to clear up any questions they may still have. Tests will then
usually be on a Monday following the review. I believe the most important aspect of
testing is not necessarily the score but the mastery of the content and retention of
material. I will allow students to retake a test after they complete a revision
assignment, but will average all the scores together for a final grade. They will
have to arrange a time after school to retake a test in advance but must be done
within a week of the test given.

Grade Scale:
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+

97100
94-96
90-93
87-89
84-86
80-83
77-79
74-76
70-73
67-69

D
DF

64-66
60-63
60

Units of Study
Unit 1 Review of Algebra 2
Unit 2 Functions and Graphs
Unit 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions
Unit 4 Systems of Equations
Unit 5 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Unit 6 Introduction to Trig (Right Tri Trig, Unit Circle, Finding Trig Values)
Unit 7 Trig Identities
Unit 8 Graphs and Transformations of Trig Functions
Unit 9 Solving Trig Equations and Applications of Trigonometry