Advanced Math (M620a) 2008-2009
Course Information
Teacher: Siva Sankrithi
E-mail: siva dot sankrithi at lakesideschool dot org
Phone: (206) 440-2733 (Lakeside), (206) 261-6366 (Cell)
Website: http://www.lakesideschool.org/upperschool/departments/math/sankrithi/SivasWebPage.htm
Textbook: Depending on the unit we're doing, we'll use some combination of handouts and web resources.
For the Multivariable Calculus Unit, we will use the book "div, grad, curl, and all that" 4th Ed. by H.M. Schey.
Period: 6th (Tuesday/Friday 12:35 - 1:20, Thursday 10:55 - 12:10)
Location: Allen-Gates 203
What is Advanced Math?
Advanced Math is a course for students who are interested in exploring interesting topics in mathematics beyond single-variable Calculus. We will explore a wide array of different post-Calculus topics, but will focus more on breadth rather than depth, so that you can gain an exposure to several interesting and very useful mathematical ideas.
Course Schedule:
We will begin the year with a probability unit and close the year with projects on a topic of your choosing. With these projects, each of you will research a topic of interest to you, write a paper on it, and teach the course for one week! Between probability and the projects, we will do several topics that will be determined by class vote. Likely topics include Multivariable Calculus, ODEs, PDEs, Linear Optimization, and Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos.
Materials:
For this course, you will need a TI-83/83+/84 calculator, some sort of note taking system (e.g. notebook or 3-ring binder) and whatever unit is being used during the given class. Most importantly, bring a curiosity and open mind and this will make the course much more enjoyable for all of us.
Homework:
Homework in this course will be assigned weekly. Once completed, we will have sometime at the beginning of class to go over the homework and answer any questions that you may have. Rather than my answering all of the questions, we will have this time of the class be more or less student run, with willing students who have a solution to the question coming up and presenting their solution. This way, you all can get a chance to show your work to the class and we can learn a variety of different approaches to solving the same problem.
Grading:
Your grade will be determined by your performance on Homework, Tests, Quizzes, and Projects.
Attendance:
Attendance at every class is mandatory. If for some reason you do miss a class, you are responsible for turning in the homework for that day (email is an acceptable means of doing so in the event that you are unable to come to campus).
Communication:
The best means to contact me if you have any questions is via email. Also, I will be at my desk most of the time I am not in class so you are certainly welcome to come in and ask questions anytime I am there. Also, I understand that many of you have other time commitments for various club and atheltic events, as well as college visits, so all I ask is that you let me know of these well ahead of time so that I can work with you individually to get you ahead or catch you up as necessary.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!! If you think of math as a chore, it will be, but if you think of it as fun, you will surely have a great time.