AP^® Calculus AB

Name:

AP® Calculus AB (MATH500)
Department:

Math
Credits:

1.0 (yearlong course)
Prerequisites:

MATH 420 PreCalculus with a grade of 85% or higher or MATH450 Precalculus Honors (or equivalent)

AP^® Calculus AB

Description:

In this AP® course, students will build on previous mathematical knowledge to explore two main problems. In the first problem, students will investigate the tangent line problem using limits to discover and use differentiation. In the second problem, students will investigate the area under the curve problem which leads to applications with integration. Throughout the course, the students will analyze functions and interpret rates of change in real-world contexts. They will implement various mathematical processes as well as how to justify their solutions. The students will also practice communicating their learning by using proper notation and making connections between different representations of a function. At the end of the course, the student will demonstrate their understanding of the concepts as well as their problem-solving skills by taking the AP® exam.

Special Notes:

Students need access to a scanner or digital camera (phone is fine) in order to submit work for the teacher to review.

Students will also need a TI-84 graphing calculator for this course. Each student must also have the computer connectivity cable for their calculator as they will be provided with several calculus programs to download for their TI-84 calculator that can also be used on the AP® exam.

The recommended sequence for students wishing to pursue advanced math classes: Algebra 1 (8th grade) – Geometry Honors – Algebra 2 Honors – PreCalculus Honors (if taking Calculus later) – AP Calculus or AP Statistics

If you are planning to take the AP® exam associated with this course, then be aware that the College Board requires that all students register in October of each school year to take the exam which is held in early May. You must make your decision early. There are penalties associated with late registration and with registering and then deciding not to take the exam at a later date. Please plan accordingly. For more information or if you have more questions, please visit https://apcentral.collegeboard.org . Once on the site, search Home-Schooled Students to find information on locating testing locations near you.

As an online school, NorthStar Academy is not a testing center. We are a certified AP course provider. Students must locate a face to face school in their local area that will allow them to sit the exam with their students.

This version of the course is not Dual Credit eligible. To receive Dual Credit, you must register for the DC version of this course, if available.

FROM THE TEACHER

What is your next step? This is a question that you will be asking many times in the years to come. But for now, let’s see if AP® Calculus AB is your next step? Would you like to get ahead on college credits? Are you planning on pursuing a career that will require you to take Calculus such as in business, engineering, science, or another STEM field? Would you like to put all the pieces together for all math you have been learning in high school? Or maybe you want to get better at problem-solving and be able to justify your position? Then AP® Calculus AB is a good next step for you.

In AP® Calculus AB, I will be there to help you navigate through the new concepts as you investigate, learn, and practice what you have learned. I know math can be scary for some but if you have met the requirements for this course then you have the skills to take the next step. This course will be challenging but with guidance and some effort, you will find out that you can do and understand more than you thought possible.

If there are books and materials for this course, they can be purchased from our Online Bookstore.

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Student Feedback

The course was well structured.

This course had enough content and practice+feedback to prepare me for AP exam

I liked the projects, they helped me connect content with the real world./p>