Algebra II Course Information
Instructor
Tom Butler tom dot butler at lakesideschool dot org
Work: 206.440.2938 Cell: 206.851.1582
Desk on 2nd floor of Allen-Gates core (Northwest corner)
Sections
5th period (M210g) M, Tu, F: 11:45-12:30. W: 10:55-12:10 Allen-Gates 205
8th period (M210f) M, Tu, F: 2:15 - 3:00. Th: 12:55-2:10 Allen-Gates 203
Overview
The primary focus of this course is to develop proficiency with the algebraic, graphical, and numerical properties of functions, both in a generalized, abstract setting and through specific application of the most widely-used types of functions: linear, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, logarithmic, rational, and trigonometric. We will also investigate statistical analysis of data, counting and probability, and sequences and series. This syllabus lists the planned sequence of topics. We will be using a textbook that was written specifically for this course by faculty members of the Lakeside Upper School math department.
Daily Materials
Appropriate section of textbook
3-ring notebook or equivalent organizational system
Paper – preferably engineering or graph paper
Pencil/pens
Calculator (TI-83 Plus or TI-84)
Computer (not required every day – I’ll tell you when to bring them)
Grading
Homework, projects and quizzes = 10% Tests = 90%
The median grade will be approximately a B/B+. Homework and participation will be used as deciding factors if you are on the borderline between two grades.
Grades for each semester will be independent of one another. Your year-end, final grade will be determined as:
Each semester: 40% Year-end final: 20%
Homework is your primary tool for learning in this course. Problems will be due almost every day. They will be assigned at the end of each class period and posted on the section assignment calendar. It is essential that you attempt all problems prior to the start of class because we will use class time to develop clear and complete solutions as a group. You are also responsible for generating and maintaining your own copies of these solutions. I will occasionally collect formal write-ups of solutions to particularly interesting or significant problems. I will give 5-10 minute quizzes on a quasi-weekly basis to review past topics and allow you to practice test-taking skills. Projects will give us the opportunity to explore questions or applications of greater complexity and depth and than those typically covered in the homework. They will take 1-2 class periods and you will communicate your findings in a formal write-up. Tests will cover about a chapter’s worth of work and will be given about every two to three weeks.
Attendance
Attendance at every class is mandatory. Notify me proactively if you know you will be missing a class and we can make appropriate arrangements. If you are just going to miss a few periods of a day, you are more than welcome to attend any of the other sections of Algebra 2 taught by myself (5th-AG205, 8th-AG203), Mr. Sankrithi (1st and 7th, AG203), Mr. Erickson (2nd and 4th, AG202) or Mr. Hartley (3rd, A202). If you are absent for an illness or some other unexpected occurrence, contact me when you return and we can work together to get you caught up.