Geometry Syllabus
Hi. I graduated from Pontiac High School, went to Illinois State University for a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Education, and Olivet Nazarene University for a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. I took classes from Aurora University for a specialist certificate in Educational Technology.
In my time here I’ve coached football and softball. I’ve sponsored SADD, AFS, Captains, Math Team, Computer Club, Sophomore Class, and Junior Class. Some of my hobbies include computers, video games, weight lifting, karate, reading, and jogging. I have 3 daughters: Audra (surgery circulation nurse), Marlo (welder - TIG stainless), and Chloe (computer science). My wife, Melissa is a nurse practitioner.
Course Description
The goal of this course is to understand introductory high school Geometry. It’s introductory because you could go beyond in higher level classes. It does not mean we will be functioning at a low level. We will be developing very important building blocks for the study of mathematics and the rest of your life. You will learn to reason and give support to your statements.You will learn methods for approaching problems and working toward a solution. Like most of your experience as a student in any course you’ll ask yourself (or me), “When will I ever use this?”
You will. Admittedly, some of the topics will not show up again in your post-education lives. However, and I really want to stress the importance here, the way we approach and solve problems of any kind will transfer to every area of your life. Your way of thinking will be enhanced through almost imperceptible changes. Even though you may not write two-column proofs for a living, the reasoning ability you develop will serve you forever.
Assignments
Unless specified, these are due at the beginning of class one or two days after they are assigned. My goal is to tell you the due date when I assign something. I CANNOT accept late assignments.You CAN make up work if you are absent. If you miss class it is your responsibility to get information and assignments. Working together is encouraged. Some assignments are not graded.
Notebook
I suggest a 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper and some graph paper. Keep all notes, handouts,homework, quizzes and tests in the notebook in an organized way. Your notebook may be graded for some easy organization points.
Quizzes
Quizzes are usually short and sometimes replace the grading of a homework assignment. They are not always announced.
Tests
Each unit test is a big deal. They will make up a large portion of your grade. My tests will review the basic concepts and they will also require you to demonstrate understanding of the material by applying those concepts.
Semester Grade
Your grade for the first nine weeks is the average of all points earned to that point. Your grade for the second nine weeks is the average of all points earned to that point (including the first quarter). In this way, your grade is cumulative. The semester exam is a mixture of multiple-choice and short answer with about one question for each concept covered. This combination requires you to retain what you have learned through the semester in order to earn a good grade. The semester exam makes up 15% of your semester grade. Your semester exam is combined with your grade at the end of the second nine weeks to determine your semester grade. The semester grade is what matters in the end.
Extra Help
If you are struggling with any material, see me about getting some extra help. I am available from 8:00 - 8:25 almost every morning. I am also here after school until 4:00 (or later) almost every afternoon. Also, see YouTube! Try Google!
Rules
Come prepared with appropriate materials to learn. go get materials = tardy
Be in your seat when the bell rings. not in seat = tardy
Raise your hand to contribute to discussions. talking out of turn = detention
No food (except special circumstances) food = disposal (possible detention)
Show respect for others. disrespect = detention
Follow all school rules. violation = detention
The first offense will generally result in a verbal warning.The second offense will usually result in a detention.
Additional offenses will result in referral to the assistant principal and parent contact.
Repeated offenses may result in suspension and/or removal from the class.
Flagrant violations will likely accelerate this process.
Quiet Signal
A raised hand during class is to quiet the group and bring attention to me. There must be something important for me to say.
Restroom/Drink
Because of our convenient location I will probably let you go if you ask closer to the end of class.
Music
Bring a device. I will let you know when it’s okay to listen to your own music.
Cell Phone
Use is allowed ONLY with express permission by instructor. Please keep it out of sight.
Hi. I graduated from Pontiac High School, went to Illinois State University for a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Education, and Olivet Nazarene University for a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. I took classes from Aurora University for a specialist certificate in Educational Technology.
In my time here I’ve coached football and softball. I’ve sponsored SADD, AFS, Captains, Math Team, Computer Club, Sophomore Class, and Junior Class. Some of my hobbies include computers, video games, weight lifting, karate, reading, and jogging. I have 3 daughters: Audra (surgery circulation nurse), Marlo (welder - TIG stainless), and Chloe (computer science). My wife, Melissa is a nurse practitioner.
Course Description
The goal of this course is to understand introductory high school Geometry. It’s introductory because you could go beyond in higher level classes. It does not mean we will be functioning at a low level. We will be developing very important building blocks for the study of mathematics and the rest of your life. You will learn to reason and give support to your statements.You will learn methods for approaching problems and working toward a solution. Like most of your experience as a student in any course you’ll ask yourself (or me), “When will I ever use this?”
You will. Admittedly, some of the topics will not show up again in your post-education lives. However, and I really want to stress the importance here, the way we approach and solve problems of any kind will transfer to every area of your life. Your way of thinking will be enhanced through almost imperceptible changes. Even though you may not write two-column proofs for a living, the reasoning ability you develop will serve you forever.
Assignments
Unless specified, these are due at the beginning of class one or two days after they are assigned. My goal is to tell you the due date when I assign something. I CANNOT accept late assignments.You CAN make up work if you are absent. If you miss class it is your responsibility to get information and assignments. Working together is encouraged. Some assignments are not graded.
Notebook
I suggest a 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper and some graph paper. Keep all notes, handouts,homework, quizzes and tests in the notebook in an organized way. Your notebook may be graded for some easy organization points.
Quizzes
Quizzes are usually short and sometimes replace the grading of a homework assignment. They are not always announced.
Tests
Each unit test is a big deal. They will make up a large portion of your grade. My tests will review the basic concepts and they will also require you to demonstrate understanding of the material by applying those concepts.
Semester Grade
Your grade for the first nine weeks is the average of all points earned to that point. Your grade for the second nine weeks is the average of all points earned to that point (including the first quarter). In this way, your grade is cumulative. The semester exam is a mixture of multiple-choice and short answer with about one question for each concept covered. This combination requires you to retain what you have learned through the semester in order to earn a good grade. The semester exam makes up 15% of your semester grade. Your semester exam is combined with your grade at the end of the second nine weeks to determine your semester grade. The semester grade is what matters in the end.
Extra Help
If you are struggling with any material, see me about getting some extra help. I am available from 8:00 - 8:25 almost every morning. I am also here after school until 4:00 (or later) almost every afternoon. Also, see YouTube! Try Google!
Rules
Come prepared with appropriate materials to learn. go get materials = tardy
Be in your seat when the bell rings. not in seat = tardy
Raise your hand to contribute to discussions. talking out of turn = detention
No food (except special circumstances) food = disposal (possible detention)
Show respect for others. disrespect = detention
Follow all school rules. violation = detention
The first offense will generally result in a verbal warning.The second offense will usually result in a detention.
Additional offenses will result in referral to the assistant principal and parent contact.
Repeated offenses may result in suspension and/or removal from the class.
Flagrant violations will likely accelerate this process.
Quiet Signal
A raised hand during class is to quiet the group and bring attention to me. There must be something important for me to say.
Restroom/Drink
Because of our convenient location I will probably let you go if you ask closer to the end of class.
Music
Bring a device. I will let you know when it’s okay to listen to your own music.
Cell Phone
Use is allowed ONLY with express permission by instructor. Please keep it out of sight.