Syllabus

Return to Main Page

Year 2006-2007

Physics Lab, room 418

11.15 Monday - Friday

 Instructor:   Gerard Doyle , gdoyle@thehighlandsschool.org, 972-554-1980 extension 332

 Office Hours:          2.30-4.00 pm or by appointment

 I. Rationale: 

Geometry will provide students an opportunity to explore mathematics in a more visual and tactile manner.  The relationships between geometric shapes and figures, Cartesian graphs, and algebraic equations will be emphasized. 

 II. Course Aims and Objectives: 

Aims

Tools ranging from the classic ruler and compass to geometry software will be employed to help students experiment with and prove or disprove proposed hypotheses.  Students will develop mathematical as well as general logic and reasoning skills.   

Specific Learning Objectives:

Students will know and do the following:

1.1    Identify the parts and variations of an if-then statement in terms of basic logic 

1.2    Prove various theorems in two-column format utilizing initial set of postulates

1.3    Use and draw Venn diagrams as visual means of explaining and solving problems

1.4    Solve equations using algebra postulates and theorems presented in two-column format

Students will know and do the following:

2.1    Estimate the value of calculations obtained in trigonometry

2.2    Recognize equivalent representations of the same concept

Students will know and do the following:

3.1    Use scale factors to compare similar shapes

3.2    Know, derive, and solve problems involving perimeter and circumference

3.3    Derive formulas for the area, surface area, and volume of various shapes and polyhedra

3.2    Determine how a change in a measurement in one dimension affect changes of measurements in other dimensions

Students will know and do the following: Points, lines, angles, and planes

4.1   Analyze the dimensional properties of and relationships between points, lines, and planes

4.2   Identify and name segments, lines, and rays and the various ways they may interact

4.3   Identify and draw the possible loci for various combinations of lines, planes, circles, and spheres

4.4   Identify, define, and apply acute, right, obtuse, complementary, supplementary, vertical, corresponding, same side interior and alternate interior, and exterior angles

Triangles

4.5    Identify and define scalene, isosceles, equilateral, right, acute, and obtuse triangles

4.6    Know and apply triangle congruency postulates

4.7    Define and apply the various segments in triangles

4.8    Understand concepts about similar triangles

Polygons and Polyhedra

4.9    Understand concepts regarding quadrilaterals

4.10  Identify polygons by name and the properties of equiangular, equilateral, and regular

4.11        Identify the characteristics and names of various oblique and non-oblique polyhedra

Circles

4.12   Draw and identify various lines and segments of a circle and the angles they imply

4.13   Classify a variety of geometric figures precisely according to attributes such as side length and angle measure

Students will know and do the following:

5.1    Calculate the midpoint, slope, distance, and equation of the line, given two points on a Cartesian plane

5.2    Find the equations of lines perpendicular and parallel to a given line passing through a given point

5.3    Solve equations relating to geometric figures

5.4    State and use the Pythagorean theorem

5.5    Prove and apply the proportions of a 30-60-90 triangle and an isosceles triangle

5.6    Solve problems relating trigonometry to real world scenarios

5.7    Graph and interpret basic shifts, rotations, reflections, and dilations on the Cartesian plane

Students will know and do the following:

6.1    Find probabilities related to geometric figures

Students will know and do the following:

7.1    Solve trigonometry problems using a scientific or graphing calculator

7.2    Use geometry software to make conjectures about the validity of theorems

7.3    Use a compass to construct circles

7.4    Use a compass and straight-edge construct segments and angles.

7.5    Students will use a compass and straight-edge to construct parallel, perpendicular, and   bisecting lines and a bisected angle

7.6    Use a compass and straight edge to construct various triangles and quadrilaterals

7.7    Inscribe and circumscribe triangles with circles using a straight edge and compass

7.8    Construct a tangent to a circle from a point outside of the circle using a compass and         straight edge

III. Format and Procedures: 

Each class will start with a 3-5 minute quiz. We will then move onto an assisted activity or development of a mathematical concept. These activities will include but are not limited to lecture & recitation, discussion, group learning projects and/or presentations Students will participate actively in each activity. Students will know, understand and follow the PRIDE rules for our class (see our classroom on this website).

IV.  My Assumptions

The Geometry course is a core subject in your High School mathematics requirement. The course builds on the Mathematics that you have already learned. I believe that all students can pass this course when they,

·         Complete all homework assignments

·         Study for Quizzes and Tests

·         Ask for help if you are falling behind.

As in all courses you will find that the time you invest in the course will be reflected in your grade.

V. Course Requirements: 

1. Class attendance and participation policy: Any student absent from 10 classes in a semester will be referred to the Principal, credit for the semester may be withdrawn.  

2. Course readings: 

          (a) Required text: Geometry

3. Grading Procedures:                    Semester grade build up

VI. Academic Integrity

Each student in this course is expected to abide by The Highlands Code of Academic Integrity.  Any work submitted by a student in this course for academic credit will be the student's own work.

You are encouraged to study together and to discuss information and concepts covered in lecture and the sections with other students. You can give "consulting" help to or receive "consulting" help from such students.

However, this permissible cooperation should never involve one student having possession of a copy of all or part of work done by someone else, in the form of an e mail, an e mail attachment file, a diskette, or a hard copy.

Should copying occur, both the student who copied work from another student and the student who gave material to be copied will both automatically receive a zero for the assignment. Penalty for violation of this Code can also be extended to include failure of the course and disciplinary action.

During examinations, you must do your own work. Talking or discussion is not permitted during the examinations, nor may you compare papers, copy from others, or collaborate in any way. Any collaborative behavior during the examinations will result in failure of the exam, and may lead to failure of the course and disciplinary action.

VII. Accommodations for students with disabilities

In compliance with The Highlands High school policy and equal access policies, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be required for student with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made during the first three weeks of the semester, except for unusual circumstances, so arrangements can be made. Students are encouraged to register with Student Disability Services to verify their eligibility for appropriate accommodations.

VIII. Tentative Course Schedule

Term 1   Benchmark 1.1 - 4.2

Term 2   Benchmark 4.3 - 4.10

Term 3   Benchmark 4.11 - 5.5

Term 4   Benchmark 5.6 - 7.8

IX. Additional Resource Readings on College Teaching