Well, the year is drawing to a close.  This is your time to offer advice to next year's calculus students.  What words of wisdom do you have to pass onto students as they begin the journey through calculus?  Include some time management tips!  Good luck to everyone as you begin th

Wow, the end is in sight.  Chapter 5 of your text deals with the definite integral.  How would you define definite integral?  When would this be used in "everyday life?"  Be thinking about the processes you go through as you solve problems in this chapter.  The next blog will ask you to write down those processes!!!

You are now well into the second semester.  The end is near!!!  The definition of a derivative is on page 95 of your text.  How would you explain derivatives to someone not taking calculus?  In other words, simplify the definition!!!

OK, it is time for some reflection!  Think back over the first semester of calculus.  What surprised you the most?  What are words of advice you would offer to next year's class as they begin the year?  (Think:  what I wish I had known!!)  Good luck this semester.

We are nearing the end of the first semester, so it is time for some metacognition (reflection about your thinking.)  Write a paragraph describing any difficulties encountered using differentiation rules.  (Remember the "rules" for a paragraph:  thesis statement, details, etc.)

Chapter 3 is titled Derivatives.  Derivatives were first used in the 16th century.  What were they first used for?  Can you think of other uses?

Time for  metacognition (thinking about your thinking.)  Analyzing the process(es) you go through when solving a math problem can be difficult, but it will also benefit you as you do  more complicated tasks. 

Here is today's task:
Solve the equation f(x)=4.
As you solve this, think about the processing you went through.  Now is the fun part:  write down your thought processes!

Who will be first?

     One of the goals of the math department is that students have opportunities to sharpen their writing skills.  This blog is one avenue towards that goal.  So far this year, a lot of new math vocabulary words and new concepts have been introduced.  For this post, compare the graph of a function and a graph of a relation.  What are the similarities and differences?  When would each be used?  Please be detailed.

Welcome to the 2012-13 Calculus Class.  I will post items periodically (about once a week) that will ask you to respond.  This will be a part of your grade.  The faculty at Interstate 35 School is striving to include writing in all curricular areas, thus this blog. 

Your first assignment:  After watching the Khan videio, write a 3 sentence review.  Be specific and thoughtful.   Do not say "It was good.  I liked it."

Have a good day!! 

Congratulations, seniors, on a great year.  You and your classmates should be proud of your leadership and accomplishments during your time at Interstate 35 High School. 
Here is your last blog assignment:
John Napier was the first person to answer the question, "What happens if you invest an amount of money at 100% yearly interest, compounded continuously?"  Well, what does happen?  Explain your answer.  And just for fun, find out how long it would take to triple your money.
Due on May 11.