GEOMETRY SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR: MR. HOGIE Room #: 126
I am available to assist students before school (7:35 am) and after school every day.
Home Phone: 582-2106 E-mail: Allen.Hogie@k12.sd.us Web Page: http://ah002.k12.sd.us
Technology Suggested: A scientific calculator. If taking higher level math courses in the future, a graphing utility such as a TI-84 or TI-84 Plus would be a good investment.
Textbook: GEOMETRY by Bass-Charles-Hall-Johnson-Kennedy, 2009 Pearson Education
Link to online book: www.pearsonsuccessnet.com Username: Geometrybvhs3
Password: geombvhs3
Link to practice quizzes, tests, and example problems: www.phschool.com
Under Course Content enter web code aue - 0775
CRITERIA FOR GRADING:
Every hour examination will count 50 - 100 points each. Quizzes will vary from perhaps 10 to 50 points each. Hour exams will be announced in advance but you may not be given advance notice of all quizzes. Grades will be taken on a) tests, b) quizzes, c) homework assignments, and d) participation in class. Tests and quizzes will account for approximately 70% of a student’s grade and homework and participation in class about 30%. Grades will be calculated on the following district grading scale:
A 95 - 100% B+ 89 - 91% C + 80 - 82% D + 71 - 73%
A - 92 - 94 % B 86 - 88 % C 77 - 79% D 68 - 70%
B - 83 - 85 % C - 74 - 76% D - 65 - 67% F Below 65%
Semester Grades will be calculated by averaging the 1st and 2nd quarter grades for students who are exempt from semester tests. For students who are not exempt, the 1st and 2nd quarter grades will count 40% each and the semester test 20%. Students who are exempt may take the semester test at no risk to their current grade. The semester test grade will only count if it betters the overall grade.
HOMEWORK:
To learn mathematics, one needs to focus on understanding skills and knowledge required to solve problems. Homework provides an opportunity to reflect upon learning and synthesize understanding. How hard a student works at his/her homework determines the depth and breadth of learning that takes place. Active participation is also necessary. Homework will be collected periodically and graded. Once assigned, it will be due at the beginning of class the next day. You must show all work on your homework assignments. Late homework up to one day will result in a minus five points. After one day, a grade of zero will be given but the student is expected to complete the assignment. I expect you to take pride in your work and make it as neat as humanly possible.
Academic Dishonesty: Cheating is not tolerated. If a student is caught cheating on homework, a quiz, or a test, no credit will be given and will be dealt with according to district policy.
When given time in class to work on homework, use it wisely. DO NOT QUIT EARLY! I allow students to work in small groups quite often, but only when the time is being used wisely.
ABSENCES:
Students who are absent are responsible for any make-up work. This includes missed tests and quizzes. I will not chase after you to see that you make it up. Make-up work is due the day after you return back to school. (One day allowed for each day absent.)
If you know you are going to be absent, I expect you to complete and turn in your work before you leave. This includes school-sponsored activities. It is in a student's best interest to make up any work A.S.A.P.
DISCIPLINE:
It is my philosophy that each student is responsible for his/her own behavior both inside and outside the school environment. My policy is as follows:
1st Offense: Warning. Written Referral to the Office
2nd Offense: Referral. Trip to the office. Saturday School points given.
3rd Offense: Conference with parents and principal; Contracting will be done.
EXPECTATIONS:
My job is to TEACH. Your job is to LEARN.
BEWARE OF TOO MUCH NOISE.
BE SURE TO DO YOUR OWN WORK.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
BE ON TIME.
BEHAVE.
My biggest pet peeve is someone talking while I am talking.
No pop, candy or gum is allowed in the classroom unless permission is granted.
WHY STUDY GEOMETRY?
Geometry is useful.
Geometry is challenging.
Geometry offers you a practical setting in which to use arithmetic and algebra skills.
GOALS for ALL Students:
Learn to apply mathematics to a variety of different situations.
Class average of 83%
Develop communication skills.
Learn to work with others and develop self-discipline.
To be successful in Geometry a student should:
Read ahead. Make a note of everything you do not understand and ask in class.
Take notes, write down examples, and review them.
Complete all assigned homework and show all steps to the solution for each problem.
Work the problems in class as though you were practicing for a test.
Pay attention all period. Participation in classroom discussions builds confidence.
Seek help beyond the class period. Complete extra credit assignments.
When working in a group or with a partner stay focused on the task at hand.
View difficulties that arise as opportunities to strengthen your understanding.
EIGHT SIGNIFICANT ATTRIBUTES OF AN OUTSTANDING MATH STUDENT
SELF-MOTIVATION
An Outstanding Math Student:
Accepts the challenges and keeps working on them until they are met; overcomes frustration and confusion and is not intimidated by hard problems; recognizes that a genuine problem is something that you don’t know how to do until you work with it awhile.
A math student who needs to improve:
Gives up on problems; needs to be coaxed to continue; prefers to wait for someone else to figure it out and explain it; believes that they can’t solve a problem unless someone else shows them how; always expects someone else to provide challenges.
TIME ON TASK
An Outstanding Math Student:
Puts in a full class period of effort every day and finds time outside of class to reflect on mathematical concepts.
A math student who needs to improve:
Initiates or gets involved with activities other than those which contribute to a positive mathematical learning environment.
WRITTEN WORK
An Outstanding Math Student:
Shares with the teacher a complete written record of every weekly problem and other class activities; rewrites papers until they are superior quality.
A math student who needs to improve:
Has at least one written assignment missing or of inferior quality.
GROUP WORK
An Outstanding Math Student:
Strives for positive interdependent communication and cooperation with other students; discusses the problem and gives and takes ideas in the group while working toward a solution.
A math student who needs to improve:
Takes from the group without contributing.
PROGRESS
An Outstanding Math Student:
Demonstrates evidence of curiosity, enthusiasm, and adequate growth as a mathematician; looks for meaning and reasoning in math concepts and relates them to other concepts; solves problems; is committed to quality work.
A math student who needs to improve:
Defines learning as “memorization and application of a series of mathematical rules”; is uninvolved and uninterested.
ATTITUDE
An Outstanding Math Student:
Shows respect and concern for self and others; has high self-esteem; pays attention.
A math student who needs to improve:
Interferes with other student’s right to learn; has low self-esteem; is inattentive.
INSIGHT
An Outstanding Math Student:
Extends knowledge to new situations; demonstrates creative thinking in problem solving; poses new problems.
A math student who needs to improve:
Follows rather than participates in discussions; treats each math concept as a separate entity; uninvolved.
FLEXIBILITY
An Outstanding Math Student:
Adjusts and adapts to change; explores new ideas and new ways of learning and solving problems; strives to expand and enhance personal learning style.
A math student who needs to improve:
Avoids and resists change; stays within the boundaries of personal “comfort zone”.