Bluebonnet Home Scholars Collaborative

Flower Forth

Calculus BC

Level:

Subject(s):

Description:

Calculus BC is the study of limits, derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, polynomial approximations and (infinite) series. Though this is considered a study of single-variable calculus, parametric, polar, and vector functions will be studied. Consistent with AP philosophy, concepts will be expressed and analyzed geometrically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. After completion of this course, students have the option to take the AP Calculus BC exam at their local high school (payment for exam fees is made directly to the local high school and are due in the fall).

To continue kindling wonder and creative thinking, Mrs. Panam supplements the traditional textbook approach by adding in substantial amounts of curated material for enrichment and extension, along with practice standardized test problems. These challenging problem-solving activities are integrated to help students hone their mathematical and critical thinking skills and apply concepts across a wide range of situations and scenarios.

Materials:

Families should purchase the following supplies:

  • Calculus of a Single Variable, 10th ed., ISBN: 1285060334
  • Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Prep, 10th ed. (2024) book (releases 8/1/23; not needed until December), ISBN-10: 0593516753; ISBN-13: 978-0593516751
  • Pencils & Erasers in a pouch
  • 1 black/blue and 1 red non-erasable pen
  • 1 ruler (a small one is fine)
  • Index cards (about 100) and an index card holder/case
  • A few colored pencils or colored erasable pens (optional, 3 colors other than black)
  • Graphing Calculator*
  • A three-ring binder with lined/graph paper and dividers—or—a notebook (graphing or lined) with a 1.5″ binder (with lined/graph paper and dividers)
  • Homework packet—provided digitally to students via the class Google Classroom. Families will need either to print the packet (over 300 pages over the school year) or access it via a compatible tablet and stylus and have students complete and submit the work digitally.

*Since graphing calculators are allowed and recommended for most standardized tests, it is advisable to invest in one. It is important for students to feel comfortable using one, especially on a timed exam. Recommended calculators can be found on the college board site here. Mrs. Panam prefers TI-89 and up (with CAS).