1. Welcome! 2011-2012 School Year Denbigh Baptist Christian School Mrs. Marshall Geometry

2. Course Syllabus Scientific Calculator 2” 3 ring binder Notebook paper Spiral bound note book Graph paper File tab dividers Composition book Pencils Red pens Supplies are expected to be brought to each class and all must be purchased by the end of the first week of school. Supplies Needed:

3. Suggested Notebook Sections Syllabus (in front) Notes Homework Quizzes Tests (especially important to keep in order to study for final exam) Projects

4. Course Description Geometry is designed to develop the mathematical concepts of reasoning, measuring and application. First semester topics include basics of geometry, reasoning and proof, perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent triangles, properties of triangles, and quadrilaterals. Throughout this course, students will be exposed to the Pythagorean Theorem, bisectors and inductive reasoning.

5. Calculators A graphing calculator is an essential tool for many math courses and students should plan to purchase one if they will continue in higher math. Either the TI-84 plus or the TI-NSpire calculator is recommended. The graphing features of the calculator will rarely be used in Geometry; however, if you plan to take Algebra 2 and higher math courses, it is an extremely useful, and necessary, tool to have.

6. Homework Homework problems for each section will be assigned on a nightly basis. Each student is expected to study the assigned material and to work the assigned problems before coming to class. Some class time will be spent discussing the difficulties encountered with the homework exercises. Homework is collected and graded on completeness, effort, neatness and the following of directions. A random 5 problems will also be checked for accuracy. Vocabulary is important in understanding geometry concepts and vocabulary will be organized in the composition book. Postulates/Theorems are essential for the proofs in geometry and these will be organized in the spiral bound notebook. Both books will be passed in at the beginning of each chapter and graded. Homework will be listed on the board and updated on my website each week. You will not be successful in this course without doing the homework.

7. Instructional Methods The course content will be taught primarily through a series of PowerPoint lectures and labs with ample class time being reserved for student questions and interaction. Classroom participation is a definite part of the instructional process. Students are encouraged to ask questions in class and demonstrate their ability to solve problems. PowerPoint presentations can be downloaded from my website to help the student take more thorough notes.

8. Testing Six tests are scheduled as well as a mandatory, comprehensive final exam. Mid chapter quizzes will be given throughout the semester. All tests and quizzes (unless pop) will be announced with ample opportunity for preparation. Students may receive 5 bonus points for finding a mathematical article, typing a brief summary, and giving their opinion. In order to receive credit, this assignment would need to be attached to the test on the actual test day, no later. All tests with a failing grade must be signed by a parent and returned within two school days or receive a demerit.

9. Grading Policy Grades are determined on a point system. Tests are worth 100 points, quizzes are normally 25 points, homework 10 points, vocabulary/postulates 5 points, and pop quizzes are 5 to 10 points. The Final Comprehensive Exam will be worth 20% of your final semester grade. There will be a semester project that will be worth 100 points. Edline is now available for students and parents to access their grades. Please obtain your student code from the office.

10. Extra Credit There are two options available for extra points. First, is a two paged, typed paper on a mathematician. The paper must have one cited source in addition to the textbook (not Wikipedia) and is worth up to 15 points. Students are limited to one paper per quarter. Second, Jefferson Lab offers a series of free lectures. Students should be aware that I will occasionally offer extra credit to some of those lectures if I believe them to be worthwhile.

11. Late Work Any assignment that is not passed in on time receives a deduction of twenty points per day late. If the assignment is not turned in by the end of the chapter, it is then a zero. Work must be passed in during the class period, not later in the day in order to receive full credit. Parents and administration will be contacted if a student has excessive lateness.

12. Code of Conduct It is the philosophy of the mathematics department that all students should adhere to the student code of conduct found in the Student Handbook, should come to class prepared to learn, and should demonstrate behavior conducive to learning at all times. Coming to class prepared to learn includes, but is not limited to, having all of the necessary supplies, arriving on time, staying the full time, and participating in the activities of the class. Inappropriate or disruptive behavior may result in a student being removed from the class. Students are expected to have cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices turned off and out of sight during class or these items will be confiscated.

13. Attendance Regular attendance is important and anticipated. The student is responsible for material missed due to absence and is expected to make up missed assignments, quizzes, or tests as soon as possible. Items not made up within the time given will result in a zero. Make-up quizzes and tests may be different and more difficult.

14. Miscellaneous Math is done in pencil only! Assignments completed in any other writing form will be returned to the student, marked late and receive a zero if not completed correctly following directions. Unless you have time to spare, use pencil.

15. Approximate Schedule and Course Content See syllabus

16. Classroom Policies High School – Grades 9th -12th  Beginning of “REAL WORLD”  Everything from now on counts towards future plans (college, trade schools, professional certifications, military, employment opportunities, etc.)

17. Classroom Policies Classroom Policies (cont.)  Make up deadlines and excused absences – Permitted as described in the school handbook  Tests are a one time event so be prepared and do your best the first time. There will be no retests or curved grades. I do not curve grades except on rare occasions when there may be too long of a test or badly worded question. I do not curve grades simply because students do not study and prepare for a scheduled test.  Cumulative Final Exam is worth 20% of semester grade  Most seminars will be through PowerPoint presentations. You are expected to take notes or bring them from the website to follow along with.  Arrive to class on time (Before bell rings).  Wait to be dismissed. The bell is a reminder for me, not a sign for you to pack up.  Be: HONEST, RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE - To teacher, classmates and YOURSELF  Be prepared for class with all supplies and a willingness to learn.  I pass out papers once, duplicate copies cost 10cents/page. Stay organized.  Complete all assignments on time. Late assignments will have consequences and could result in a zero.

18.  Copying answers from other students is unacceptable and is cheating. Students found cheating will have consequences. Both the copier and the student who allowed their work to be copied will earn themselves a zero for whatever assignment was copied plus an automatic ten demerits (reprimand) which equals a detention.  Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”  Numbers 32:23 “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.”  Do your own work!! Classroom Policies Classroom Policies (cont.)

19.  Raise your hand if you have a question and/or comment. I highly encourage class participation. It often presents issues shared by other students which helps all students better understand the material. Several people talking at the same time creates chaos and a disruptive learning environment.  No gum, food or drinks in class EXCEPT bottled water. Classroom Policies Classroom Policies (cont.)

20.  Class schedule (homework, quizzes, tests) will be available on my school web site www.dbcsmarshall.weebly.com and on the front board. www.dbcsmarshall.weebly.com  I will update them as often as possible throughout the year as events and changes require.

21. Classroom Policies Classroom Policies (cont.) BATHROOM POLICY-The use of the bathroom WILL be done on the student’s own time between classes. When an emergency situation occurs, the student will notify the teacher, quietly slip out, and quickly and quietly return to class. Students may not leave the classroom during the lecture - you will miss valuable information. Visiting the restroom will be allowed after instruction is complete for the day, and while students are working on assignments. Students may not leave while taking tests or quizzes.

22. Tonight’s Assignment  Look over parent letter and syllabus. Sign and return if you haven’t already done so. It is DUE by Friday, August 19 th.  Write Chapter 1 vocabulary from book in the composition book and postulates/theorems in the spiral bound notebook. DUE by Friday. This is your first graded assignment, start the year off right!