ALGEBRAIC CONNECTIONS COURSE DESCRIPTION
 

Algebraic Connections will cover the following broad conceptual themes:

*  Probability
    The study of probability using experiments, simulations, graphing calculators, and counting techniques
*  Statistics
    The study of descriptive and inferential statistics including measures of central tendency and
    variability, graphs, and regression.
*  Functions and Graphs
    The study of various kinds of functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, step, and piecewise.
*  Graph Theory
    The study of graphs, circuits, paths, and tree search methods.

Each of the above themes will be covered in approximately 9 weeks.  This course is NOT to be taken in place of any requirement for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.  It does NOT replace the requirement of Algegra II for college entrance.

TEXTBOOK

 Our textbooks are Math Connections published by It's About Time and Discrete Mathematics through Applications published by W. H. Freeman.  We will also use material from the Quantitative Literacy Series published by Dale Seymour.

CALCULATOR

You will need a graphing calculator with good statistical functions on a daily basis.  The TI-83+ is the calculator I will be using for explanations and demonstrations.  If you have a different calculator you are responsible for learning the appropriate operations.  It is very important you have your own calculator since YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BORROW CLASSMATES' CALCULATORS DURING QUIZZES AND TESTS.

OTHER MATERIALS

You will need graph paper, pencils, binder and paper, and a calculator.

CLASS PROCEDURES

Students will learn from lectures, individual and group work, calculator and computer work (allowing a deeper focus on concepts), and project work.

The following is not allowed in the classroom:  food, cd/cassette players, pagers, and cell phones.

Be on time to class, in your seat, ready to start the day's work.

Be respectful, polite and courteous to each other.  No put-downs.  Be responsible for your own learning and the learning of your group.  Work together as much as possible except for when specifically prohibited, as on exams and quizzes.

GRADES

Nine Week Grades Will Be Determined As Follows:

Tests            35%
Quizzes        25%
Classwork    40%

Math is a sequential subject so don't let yourself get behind.  Please ask for help, especially after an absence.  I am available (by appointment) from 1:45 P.M. to 4:15 P.M. daily, and during activity period on days when I do not have a meeting to attend.

There will be an assignment sheet displayed in the classroom for every testing period so you can know what schedule to expect.  You will have homework occasionally - usually project work or make-up work due to an absence.  Most of the work required for this course will be covered in class.

Makeup tests must be taken in room 3304 during activity period on Wednesday or Friday, or from 2:45 P.M. - 3:45 P.M. on Wednesday.

CHEATING

Please review FHS' cheating policy in your student handbook.  All tests and projects for this class are considered "major".  Please note the consequences for cheating on a major test/assignment: dismissal from the class and assignment to study hall, suspension from school, and loss of honor graduation status.