AFNorth International School

                                                                                   

 


COURSE OVERVIEW 2007-2008

 

 


Course Name:            Functions

 

Course Code:             MCR 3U

                                                                                               

Course Type:             University Preparation   Grade Level:  11               Credit Value:  1.0

 

Textbook(s):               Functions 11:  Nelson

 

Required Supplies:    Protractor, ruler, calculator, binder, lined paper, pens, pencils, eraser, graph paper       

 

Overall Expectations of the Course

By the end of the course, students will:

•   demonstrate an understanding of functions, their representations, and their inverses, and make connections between the algebraic and graphical representations of functions using transformations

•   determine the zeros and the maximum or minimum of a quadratic function, and solve problems involving quadratic functions, including those arising from real-world applications

•   demonstrate an understanding of equivalence as it relates to simplifying polynomial, radical, and rational expressions

•   evaluate powers with rational exponents, simplify expressions containing exponents, and describe properties of exponential functions represented in a variety of ways

•   make connections between the numeric, graphical, and algebraic representations of exponential functions

•   identify and represent exponential functions, and solve problems involving exponential functions, including those arising from real-world applications

•   demonstrate an understanding of recursive sequences, represent recursive sequences in a variety of ways, and make connections to Pascal’s triangle

•   demonstrate an understanding of relationships involved in arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, and solve related problems

•   make connections between sequences, series, and financial applications, and solve problems involving compound interest and ordinary annuities

•   determine the values of the trigonometric ratios for angles less than ; prove simple trigonometric identities; and solve problems using the primary trigonometric ratios, the sine law, and the cosine law

•   demonstrate an understanding of periodic relationships and sinusoidal functions, and make connections between the numeric, graphical, and algebraic representations of sinusoidal functions

•   identify and represent sinusoidal functions, and solve problems involving sinusoidal functions, including those arising from real-world applications

 

 

 

Topics of the Course:

 

1.                  Algebra

2.                  Representing Functions

3.                  Quadratic Functions

4.                  Graphing Trigonometric Functions

5.                  Determining and Applying Trig Ratios

6.                  Exponential Functions

7.                  Sequences and Series

8.                  Financial Mathematics

9.                  Summative Review and Assessment

                       

 

Assessment and Evaluation Strategies:

 

The focus of this course is on inquiry, problem solving, communication, and acquisition of high levels of knowledge and skills and applications of mathematics.

 

Assessment strategies will address the variety of teaching and learning styles as well as the variety of expectations.

 

The assessment program will include tests, quizzes, observation of performance tasks, performance assessment, conferencing, journals and presentations.

 

Assessment tools to be used throughout the course will include the four level achievement chart, rubrics (both teacher-created and student generated), checklists, rating scales, anecdotal comments, and analytic marking schemes.

 

There will be several short assignments, quizzes and task opportunities in each unit of this course that do not “count” toward the final mark for the unit.  These tasks are opportunities for teacher feedback about what you are doing well and what you need to improve.  In some cases, you will be encouraged to work on the improvements, and hand the assignment in for further feedback.  These tasks will be related to the final summative assignment and test for the unit.  Therefore, despite the fact that you will not lose marks for not completing these tasks, you are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities for very useful teacher feedback.

 

 

Evaluation:  Weighting of Marks

 

The final grade for the course will be distributed based on the following:

 

            Knowledge                                                       35%

            Thinking, Inquiry and Problem Solving   15%    

            Communication                                     15%

            Applications                                                     35%    

 

 

 

A.        Unit/chapter tests will take place at the end of each unit of work. Students will be notified in advance of their occurrence.

 

B.         Quizzes will be unannounced and will usually cover the previous day's work.

 

C.        Students will be required to complete journal entries as part of their regular assignment. They may also have to present to class their findings from various assignments.

 

D.        The 6+1 Trait is the model selected to improve school-wide writing in all subject areas.  The 6+1 Trait writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as establish a common vision of what “strong” writing looks like.  Teachers and students will use the 6+1 Trait model to identify areas of strength and weakness as they continue to strive towards continued writing improvement.  Success of all students requires that the 6+1 Trait become a consistent and integral component of each course taught at AFNORTH High School.

 

E.         A culminating assignment will be part of the final evaluation which also includes the final examination. During this assignment students will be required to demonstrate that they have met the overall expectations of the course. This assignment will make up 10% of the students’ final mark.

 

F.         The final examination will cover the full year's work and will take place at the conclusion of the course. All students will be required to write this examination. The final examination will make up 20% of the students’ final mark.

 

G.        Work habits/homework, organization, initiative, teamwork, and independent work are learning skills which will be evaluated separately from academic achievement.  These are very important skills for you to learn at school and at home, and they are crucial in determining how successful you will be in your future employment or post-secondary schooling. 

 

H.        Much of the students’ work, particularly for complex tasks and assignments, will be marked using a rubric and the final mark will be given as a level (1 to 4).  For this work, the rubric will be provided to students ahead of time so it is very clear what criteria must be met in order to get a particular level.  In other cases, numerical marks will be given.  In both cases, the mark assigned will reflect very specific standards and criteria that are outlined in the curriculum documents for the course.