Quiz #2

The quiz on Thursday will have six multiple choice questions pertaining to sections 2.1-2.2 in your textbook. The best way to be prepared for the quiz is to have completed the 2.1 and 2.2 homework from last week. You can find a detailed list of topics on slide 2 of the 2.5 notes for Wednesday:
http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/2-5_notes.pdf.

One last note just for the students who read this blog ... it is possible that this quiz will not be administered in a traditional way. As long as you are prepared, this should work to your advantage. Sorry ... I can't say anything more right now!

Looking Forward...

I want to thank everyone for the effort you have been putting into AP Calc BC. It's hard to believe we start the fourth week next week!

Reminders: finish the 2.1 and 2.2 HW on your assignment calendar. Group solutions have been scanned and are available in the notes section of my website. Also, begin work on test corrections. If you have any questions, please see me during lunch early next week.

Next week is another short, four day week. However, it will be packed with lots of derivative-related topics (sections 2.3-2.5). Plan for a short quiz on Thursday over sections 2.1 and 2.2.

Have a great weekend!

Test #1 Results

I just posted the scores for test #1. As promised, the test was challenging. The results were very mixed ... 25% earned an A or B while about 50% earned an F. Your score in gradespeed is your raw score. After analyzing the results, I have determined that a curve is appropriate (i.e., a number of the multiple choice questions were very challenging and had a lower percentage of students get them correct). I will share details tomorrow about what students will need to do to “earn” the curve.

I must say “nice work” to students who did well on this first test. For others, maybe this was just a rude awaking after the summer and after precalculus. As I have stated before, this course will challenge students unlike any other math class. Is it possible that some students did not believe me?

If it’s any consolation, my students from last year had similar results on this first test and they earned the best scores on the AP exam I have ever had.

Test #1 Sample

I am sure by now students have tried the sample test questions. I just posted answers to these questions. I would have liked to double-check these answers, but instead I need to work on writing your actual test. I trust that students will let me know if they disagree with an answer.

http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/apcalc/notes/test1_sample_answers_2010.pdf

Test #1 on Thursday, September 9

I am confident that my mesmeric lecture about tangent lines on Friday has inspired you to work on the 2.1 textbook homework. Remember that you should also work on reviewing for Test #1. I would recommend you do the following (in the order given) to prepare for this test:
1. skim through the test outline and highlight topics you know you need to work on
2. complete textbook homework assigned during the past two weeks from 1.2-1.5
3. attempt all problems on the sample test
4. look over notes and examples from class
5. get your questions answered - either on topics or problems you have tried
6. attempt the extra practice problems at the end of chapter 1 as needed

I want everyone to start the year with a test grade that they are pleased with. You should be aiming for work that is worthy of a "5" every day in this class. I will be available during lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday and we will review during class on Wednesday. The quality of our review time is directly proportional to your willingness to attempt review problems before class and to ask questions.

Good luck in your preparation for this test. I want you to complete this test knowing that you have done the best you can possibly do. The excuse for a low score of "I didn't really study as much as I should have for this first test" is simply not acceptable.

I am writing some of your test questions now. Check back here later in the weekend - I'll try to post some study suggestions.

Open House

Make sure your parents are aware of the open house at BHS on Thursday, September 2. A meeting in the auditorium starts at 6 pm and classroom visits start at 6:30 pm. Don't forget to provide your parents with a copy of your schedule to follow.

Friday Quiz

I just finished writing the quiz and it is, in fact, 10 questions and will be worth 30 points. I'm looking forward to hearing your questions before the quiz and to excellent scores!

This weekend there are two things you should work on for BC:
1. revisit topics or homework from 1.1-1.3 (as needed) after taking the quiz
2. pre-read section 1.4 (and section 1.5 if you have time)