Trigonometry
Grades 11-12
Mr. Kuehl

Course Purpose: Trigonometry is a course in which students will review and expand upon their knowledge of Trigonometry from Geometry and prepare themselves for higher-level math and science.

Course Goal: That the students display their God-given talents in advanced mathematics by applying Trigonometry to various real-world and mathematical situations in service to Him.

Course Outcomes:  The student will. . .
·   Review the fundamentals of advanced Algebra  that will be applied in Trigonometry such as graphing on the coordinate plane, functions, transformations, symmetry, circles, compositions, and inverses
·   Use degrees and radians to measure angles
·   Compute arc length and angular and linear velocity
·   Memorize, identify, and apply the properties of the six Trigonometric functions, their inverses, and their graphs
·   Use reference angles to evaluate trigonometric expressions
·   Solve right triangle trigonometry problems
·   Memorize and apply the exact values of the six trigonometric functions for 0, 30, 45, 60, 90, 180, and 270 degrees
·   Memorize and apply the reciprocal, ratio, Pythagorean, double angle, half angle, sum, and difference trigonometric identities
·   Memorize and apply the equation and key points of the unit circle
·   Calculate a sinusoidal equation to fit some data
·   Analyze the effect of combining trigonometric and algebraic functions
·   Prove trigonometric identities
·   Solve trigonometric equations
·   Memorize the Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, trigonometric area formulas, and Hero’s formula
·   Solve problems applying the Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, and trigonometric area formulas, and Hero’s formula
·   Apply trigonometry to solve vector problems
·   Apply trigonometry to complex numbers and apply DeMoirve’s Theorem
·   Apply trigonometry to polar and parametric equations and graph these equations

Course Outline: Text: Trigonometry (Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004)
                Unit 1: Algebraic Prerequisites (Chapter P, pp. 2 – 40)
                Unit 2: Angles and the Trigonometric Functions (Chapter 1, pp. 41 – 107)
                Unit 3: Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions (Chapter 2, pp. 108 – 163)
                Unit 4: Applications of Trigonometry (Chapter 5, pp. 265 – 321)
                Unit 5: Trigonometric Identities (Chapter 3, pp. 164 – 221)
                Unit 6: Solving Conditional Trigonometric Equations (Chapter 4, pp. 222 – 264)
                Unit 7: Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates, and Parametric Equations (Chapter 7, pp. 322 – 368)

Unit Outline:
Unit 1: Algebraic Prerequisites (Chapter P, pp. 2 – 40)
Unit 2: Angles and the Trigonometric Functions (Chapter 1, pp. 41 – 107)
Unit 3: Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions (Chapter 2, pp. 108 – 163)
Unit 4: Applications of Trigonometry (Chapter 5, pp. 265 – 321)
Unit 5: Trigonometric Identities (Chapter 3, pp. 164 – 221)
Unit 6: Solving Conditional Trigonometric Equations (Chapter 4, pp. 222 – 264)
Unit 7: Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates, and Parametric Equations (Chapter 7, pp. 322 – 368)

Instructional Strategies:

            Correcting of Homework/Questions (10%)
            Opening Motivational Activity (10%)
            Lecture/Discussion (50%)
            Small group/independent work (20%)
            Daily Homework Quiz (10%)

Grading:

Percentage breakdown:
Homework (10%)
Quizzes (20%)
Projects (30%)
Tests (40%) 

Homework

            Percentage breakdown:
            Homework (15%)
            Quizzes (20%)
            Projects (30%)
            Tests (35%)

Homework

            Homework is extremely important to learning mathematics.  In order to be successful on the quizzes, tests, and projects, and with math in general, you MUST do and understand the problems you are assigned for homework.  Homework, however, is where you practice the new math skills you are learning.  Treat homework like any other practice: practice hard, practice often, and learn from your successes and your failures.  It is okay to have some failures in practice as long as you learn from your mistakes.  This is the reason homework does not make up a large percentage of your overall grade, and is also the reason why I use a rubric to grade your homework, rather than a strict percentage of the number you got correct.  The rubric I will use to assess your homework is:

All homework will be corrected at the beginning of class on the day it is due.  You will be given an answer sheet, and you are to correct your own homework in red pen.  While you correct your homework, be sure to write-in the correct answers to any problems you got wrong or simply did not get.  Try to determine what you did wrong on your own, and make notes on your homework to help you remember how to do those problems correctly in the future.  When everyone is finished correcting their papers, you will then have the opportunity to ask questions about problems you still do not understand on the homework.  I will collect your homework afterwards (or to correct it myself if not done in class) so I can grade your homework.  It is my intent to provide written feedback on some assignments before returning them to you as time allows.

A sheet listing all homework to be done for a chapter will be distributed when we begin each chapter.  Refer to this sheet to find the specific problems assigned for a particular section, as well as any extra directions I might give you to follow for the assignment.  The homework sheet will also list the objectives for each section.  Review these objectives regularly and be sure you have accomplished each objective.

            All homework is to be done in pencil on loose-leaf paper.  Write your full name, the class period, and assignment number on the top of your homework sheet.

Usually you will be given two days to complete a homework assignment once discussion on the section is finished.  Begin working on the assignment the same day it is assigned or earlier.  If you are having many problems with an assignment, plan time to get help outside of class from me, the Learning Center, Peer Tutoring, another student, or from Mr. Schoeneck during ELP.  NEVER come to class with your assignment not done for any reason, including “I didn’t understand the assignment!” or “I didn’t have time to print my graphs!”  Only a minimal amount of time will be given for questions in class, so be sure to get your questions answered outside of class if you have many questions.  Time will not be “given” for you to print off calculator graphs in class, but you might find some “downtime” on some class days which allow you to do some printing.  Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day assigned unless otherwise told.

            Assigned homework is for your benefit.  To make the most of it, you should include all work and personal notes so when it comes time to study, you will be reminded of what you did right or wrong, and how to correct it.  Keep your homework handy for studying purposes as well.

            Your homework grade will be determined by dividing the number of points you received by the number of points possible for the quarter.  A separate homework grade will be given for each quarter.

Quizzes

            On the day a homework assignment is due, you will have a quiz covering the content of that assignment.  The quiz will have a few questions similar to those found in the homework assignment.  The quiz will usually be given in the last 5 minutes of the class period, and must be turned in as you leave the class.  Your daily quiz grade will be determined by dividing the number of points you received by the number of points possible for the quarter.  A separate quiz grade will be given for each quarter.

Projects

            Approximately one project will be assigned for each chapter having you apply the concepts learned in that chapter.  A rubric for grading each project will be supplied when the project is assigned.

            Some projects will be group projects.  With group projects, you are to only work with other students in your group.  It will be considered cheating to work with a student outside your group and questions should be directed to me.  If a project is an individual project, it will be considered cheating if you get help from, or work together with, another student in the class.  You may only get help from a teacher or a peer tutor (in the LC).

Tests

            Tests will be given after each unit to assess your understanding of the concepts studied in that unit.  The semester exam period will be used to give the final chapter test(s), rather than a comprehensive exam.

Major Grades

            All projects and tests are considered MAJOR GRADES.  Failure to complete even one of these will result in an F grade for the semester.  Although homework and daily quizzes are not “major” grades, failure to practice your Trigonometry skills will result in a poor grade for the class.

Absences/Late Work

            If you have an excused unplanned absence (due to illness, etc.), you will have as many days you were absent to make-up late tests without penalty.  Homework and daily quizzes may also be “made up” within this time, but you are not required to do so.  It is to your advantage to make up missed homework and quizzes, as they are more likely to help your overall grade than to harm your grade.  (If you do not make up the homework or quiz, the grade goes in as “excused” which doesn’t hurt or help your grade.)  Projects have specific due-dates, and are due on that day or the day you come back from your absence or they are considered late.

            I do not accept unexcused late homework.  Homework not turned in on the day it is due will receive a grade of zero and you will be expected to take the daily quiz.  Tests and projects not completed on time will result in a 5% reduction in the final grade per school day.  After 2 weeks or 10 school days the grade will be a zero grade and you will automatically fail the semester.

Pre-planned absences need to be cleared following normal school procedures, with assignments indicated on the form due when indicated or they will be considered late.  It is your responsibility, not the instructor’s, to be sure you are following these procedures and getting make-up work in on time, so make appropriate use of your planner.

Semester/Quarter/Midterm Grades

            Note that semester grades are cumulative, meaning I use the indicated percentage breakdown to determine grades.  (I do NOT use 40% Q1, 40% Q2, and 20% Semester Exam.)  Quarter grades and midterm grades are only for those grades recorded during that quarter using the same percentage breakdown as for the semester grade.  For the fourth quarter midterm grades, I typically give students both the current quarter grade as well as the current semester grade.

            Your current quarter grade and current semester grade will be posted when the grades for a chapter are completed and at midterm (sometimes these will coincide).  These reports will be sent home to your parents as well - a copy of which must be signed by a parent and returned to me.

Representing Your Savior by Using Your Talents

            By virtue of being in this class, you have shown yourself to be blessed by God with mathematical ability.  God asks us to use our gifts and talents to serve and represent Him.  As such, you will be asked to represent your Savior and your school in various math competitions during the year.  Participation in these meets does not automatically make you a member of the KML Math Team.  You must meet the other criteria of being a team member to be considered a member of the math team.  Various extra credit opportunities are given for participation in these competitions.

            Another way you can serve God with your talents is to use your abilities to help others with their math by becoming a peer tutor.  I will omit the lowest test grade for the semester to any student that is a peer tutor during that semester.  In order to take advantage of this, you must sign-up to be a peer tutor with Mrs. Boeldt at the beginning of the semester.  The peer tutoring can be done during the school day or during ELP.

Student Materials (bring every day to class):

TI-83/84 graphics calculator
Pencils
Red Pen
Single subject notebook
Three-ring binder (at least 1” width)
Loose -leaf binder paper
Textbook
Student Planner

Classroom Procedures:
·   Be in the classroom in your assigned desk quietly working on the opening activity when the bell rings or you will be considered tardy
·   Begin working on the opening activity upon arrival in the classroom
·   Bring the above materials to class each day
·   Respect classmates and teachers
·   Participate courteously in class activities
·   Be attentive to the class discussion and provide appropriate input to the discussion when called upon or given permission after raising your hand
·   Finish all work on time and completely
·   Find a “study-buddy” whom you can call for help with an assignment, or to get the assignment when you are absent.  When you are absent, see me the first day you return for make-up work responsibilities
·   Take notes of what is discussed in class and what is demonstrated on the board or overhead

Extra Information about your Trigonometry class:

A typical class day would be:
·   Enter class and begin working on the opening activity (typically correcting the assignment due).
·   Attendance and homework grading will be done while you are working on the opening activity.
·   Questions taken on homework due.
·   Discussion on the new lesson.
·   Lesson investigation activities/class practice.
·   Lesson wrap-up.
·   Daily quiz.

A typical homework session should include:
·   Review and self-evaluation of the objectives for the section of HW to be done.
·   Review and clarification of your notebook notes for that day including vocabulary.
·   Reading the section in the textbook the HW is for.
·   Completion of the HW assigned (in pencil in your notebook) or review for test.
·   Pre-reading the objectives for the next section.
·   Progress check/work on the chapter project.

For extra practice on a section you can:
·   use the odd problems in a section (the answers are in the back of the text)
·   use the odd problems from the chapter reviews
·   make corrections on your homework
·   go to the textbook’s website for extra problems and tutoring 

Your calculator:
·   don’t be afraid to investigate what it can do
·   don’t use it as a crutch to do simple calculations your should do in your head
·   store the calculator safely in your locker - don’t leave it unattended on a table or in your book bag, especially during exam week or the last day of school before vacation
·   be sure you have your name engraved on it
·   you may have games on it, but no games are allowed to be played during any class
·   you must maintain enough free memory on your calculator so it can function for class work
·   calculator programs provided by the school for use in class take precedence over game programs - at no time should these programs be deleted to make room for games
·   the school reserves the right to delete offensive and unnecessary programs from your calculator at any time
·   no password programs are allowed on your calculator
·   repeated abuse of these calculator rules is grounds for a detention

Assignments and section objectives are printed in detail on the chapter homework sheet

Assignments are posted on the smaller white board near the closet door

Graph paper is provided for free - no need to buy any

Always have your binder, and keep all work, notes, and papers organized and neat

Mr. Kuehl’s email address is tkuehl@wi.rr.com or tkuehl@kmlhs.org.  Both email addresses are checked fairly regularly, even on weekends and in the late evening.

The textbook’s websites are listed on pp. xi-xii. They have many helpful resources.

The class website can be found at the school website under Departments.  It has many useful resources, including printable graph paper, the complete course syllabus, and a listing of the assignments that are due.