AP Calculus AB

Mr. Derrick Peterson

303.982.7870

Room A220
dlpeterson@jeffco.k12.co.us

Course Overview
This course will cover all topics included in the Calculus AB topic outline as it appears in
the AP Calculus Course Description. The student will be able to work the problems from a
graphical, numerical, and analytical point of view and will then be able to communicate their
solutions both verbally and in written form. Students will use a graphing calculator to help them
solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support their conclusions. The purpose of this
multiple approach is to foster a deeper understanding of calculus and prepare students to take and
perform well on the AP exam this spring and in subsequent courses. The AP Exam in May is a
requirement for this course.

AB Course Outline
This is a preliminary schedule for the course and may change based on student performance.

Topic I ~ Pre Calculus Review

Logarithmic functions
Trigonometry, including
o The Unit Circle
o Trigonometric Identities
o Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
The family of functions graphs

Topic II ~ Limits & Continuity

(7 days)

The derivative and the tangent line problem

Basic differentiation rules and rates of change (average and instantaneous)
Derivative rules for basic functions
Product and Quotient Rules and other Higher Order derivatives
Exponential derivatives
Trigonometric derivatives
Chain Rule
Implicit differentiation
The second derivative

Topic IV ~ Application of the Derivative

(7 days)

Average Velocity, Instantaneous Velocity

Find limits graphically and numerically
Evaluate limits analytically
Continuity and one-sided limits
Intermediate Value Theorem
Infinite limits and vertical asymptotes

Topic III ~ Analytical Development of the Derivative

(3 days)

Tangent and normal lines and linear approximations

(12 days)

The Mean Value Theorem and Rolles Theorem

Analysis of function graphs
o Increasing & decreasing functions
o Local and global extrema
o Extreme Value Theorem
o Concavity and points of inflection
o Using graphs of f, f, and f
Modeling and optimization
Related Rates
Position, velocity, and acceleration
Antiderivatives
Differentials

Topic V ~ Integration

(10 days)

Development of the integral

Riemann Sums
The definite integral
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Properties of the definite integral
Calculating definite integrals using geometry
Integration by substitution

Topic VI ~ Application on Integrals

Area/accumulation
Net and total distance with definite integrals
Average value of a function
Net change of a function
Motion
Inverse trigonometric functions (derivative and antiderivative)
Volumes
o Disk method
o Washer method
o Shell method
o Cross sections

Topic VII ~ Differential Equations

(5 days)

Differential equations with initial conditions

Slope fields
Separation of variables
Modeling with differential equations

Topic VIII ~ Review

(12 days)

(up to 10 weeks)

All previous topics included in preparation form the AP Exam.

Teaching Strategies
I will utilize a variety of activities with each class period. A typical class will consist of a
combination of lecture, to introduce topics, and classroom/group work. We will have daily

classroom work that will be collected, graded, and returned the next class period. Students will
work together on a regular basis, both formally and informally. Collaboration with classmates
will be an invaluable tool.
I will encourage different approaches to solving a problem and believe that we will learn through
our mistakes. Emphasis is placed on students communicating their method of solution and a
justification of their answer. Groups will also present work to the class.

Technology
Each student is required to have a graphing calculator. All classroom work requiring the use of a
calculator will be completed on a Ti-84 Plus for this is the type of calculator utilized on our Smart
Board immolator. Calculators are used to assist in the understanding of topics, as well as for
experimentation. There will be numerous assignments, quizzes and portions of exams in which a
calculator will not be used.
All classroom presentations will be done with the Smart Board.

Notes and Worksheets

Notes will be given in class as part of the educational practice. Students are expected to take
notes in class and follow along with the lecture. Students who miss class are expected to get the
notes from another student in class. If a student after copying down the notes is still struggling
with the topic, then the student may come in for additional help regarding the topic. Worksheets
are available to print off my website. Students may choose to do the work on additional paper, but
it is the students responsibility to clearly label what worksheet is being completed.

Student Evaluation
Evaluations are based on assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Daily Quizzes (5%): Daily quizzes will be given every class and range from 1 20 points. If a
student misses a daily quizzes it is their responsibility to come and make up the quiz. Daily
quizzes are used to help review topics as well as introduce new topics based upon previous
knowledge.
Assignments (10%): Homework and Classwork will be assigned daily for students to complete.
Students will be given one week to complete homework and should come into for additional help
if they are struggling with concepts found on the homework. Helpful resources can be found on
my website to help assist students with homework. Homework is graded for completion on a 0
5 scale. Students who have a 90% or higher in the homework category will receive an additional
curve at the end of each semester.
Quizzes (45%): quizzes will be given on a regular basis (every 2 3 weeks). Quizzes will range
in difficulty including multiple choice and free response questions. Quizzes will always include
current and past material. Second semester students will be receiving former AP Free Response
questions which will be scored as a quiz grade out of 9 points.
Exams (40%): First semester will consist of two tests, one take home test and one final at the end
of the semester. Second semester will have one test in late April. All tests will be composed of
former AP Test Questions as well as sample AP questions provided by College Board.

Make Up Policy
The Jefferson County Public School policy for make-up work will be strictly enforced. Check the
district website for information pertaining to this.

Grade Breakdown
There are two different grading scales that are used in AP Calculus AB. The first grading scale,
and most common, will be based upon the AP grading system provided by the College Board and
reflect AP Scores. In order for students to receive this grading scale students must complete the
following throughout the school year: 1. Students must have a 90% or higher in the homework
category found on Parent Portal 2. Second semester students must keep a 90% or higher in Parent
Portal as well as register for the AP Calculus AB Exam. The grading scale will be as follows:
A
B
C
D
F

70% or higher
55% - 69.9%
40% - 54.9%
20% - 39.9%
Below 20%

Exceptionally strong knowledge of content

Strong knowledge of content
A good knowledge of content
Some knowledge of content
No evidence of knowledge of the content

If students fail to meet the 90% or higher in homework or if students are not planning on taking
the AP Exam in May then students grades will be based upon the standard grading scale below:
A
B
C
D
F

90% or higher
80% - 89.9%
70% - 79.9%
60% - 69.9%
Below 60%

Exceptionally strong knowledge of content

Strong knowledge of content
A good knowledge of content
Some knowledge of content
No evidence of knowledge of the content

Primary Textbooks
Larson, Hostetler and Edwards (2006). Calculus of a Single Variable (8th Ed.) Boston: Houghton
Miffin Company
* This textbook will be used in class assignments and not checked out to
students.
The Princeton Review, Inc. (2008) Cracking the AP Calculus AB & BC Exams (2008 Ed.) New
York: Random House Incorporated.
*The workbook needs to be purchased. Lakewood has purchased a classroom set
and are available for $13.00.
Supplementary Materials
AP Calculus Multiple Choice Questions, 1969 1997
AP Calculus AB Multiple Choice Questions, 1998, 2003, and 2008, 2013, and 2014
AP Calculus Free Response Questions, 1969 1997
AP Calculus AB Free Response Questions, 1999 2016

Food & Drink

As per Lakewood High School policy, no food or beverage, expect water, is allowed in the
academic wing. No exceptions!

Cell Phones
Cell phones may only be used in class if permitted by the teacher.
I reserve the right to alter or change this syllabus without notice.
Please sign and date on the appropriate line below. Signatures mean that you have read the
syllabus and have made yourself aware of the policies set forth for AP Calculus. Return this sheet
only, signed by you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) as a part of your first assignment.
_________________________
Student Signature

________________
Date

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Parent/Guardian Signature

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Date