Linda Henderson

BC Calculus covers three semesters of college level calculus in two semesters.  This course is intended for students who have a strong background in pre calculus topics, good reading skills, a desire to learn calculus at a very rapid pace and exceptionally good study habits.  And, as with most online courses, students need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined so that they can work on their own.

Course Abstract:

Calculus is the mathematical subject which takes what has been defined as “static” mathematics – which is all that students learn in previous courses - to “dynamic” mathematics which deals with motion and the results of this motion.  AP Calculus BC, concentrates on developing students’ understanding of calculus concepts and providing experiences in theory, fundamentals and applications.  This course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to problem solving.  Concepts will be explored graphically, numerically, analytically and verbally. 

AP Calculus BC covers all concepts in AP Calculus AB and develops the important concepts found in AP Calculus BC.  The course focuses on developing topics of differential and integral calculus, and then uses these fundamentals to explore polynomial approximations and series.  Vectors, polar graphs and parametric equations will be included, where appropriate, as concepts are developed.

Technology, TI-83 plus, TI-84, TI-89 or TI-Nspire calculators will be an integral tool to develop, reinforce and extend each concept.  They will also be used to investigate topics and assist in interpreting results. 

Concepts will be taught in unifying themes such as derivatives, limits, integrals and polynomial approximations.  These themes are developed through the functions and relations studied in Pre-Calculus.

Students who take this course should be prepared to take the AP Calculus BC advanced placement exam in May.