This is a spreadsheet-based program that helps you keep track of grades. The most important feature is the ability to print a student summary for each student in a class. The summary sheet includes current grade, a list of all assignment scores to-date (up to 35), with a description, and a list of all quiz scores also with a description. The spreadsheet calculates the average grade needed on all remaining tests to get a grade of A, B, C, and D and reports it. For this calculation, it uses one of the following policies (as determined by instructor): Drop lowest test score, Replace lowest test score with final exam score, or Every test counts.
This is a work-in-progress, but it is in good shape right now. Please contact me if you are considering using it. I would like to give some suggestions, and I'd like feedback on how it's working for you.
Download the Grade Template Spreadsheet here.
Some slides to help teach using the rule of four. Numeric data takes too long to write on the board, so I like to introduce most new topics by showing a few slides and fleshing them out in my lecture. I also hand out copies for the students (2 or 3 slides per sheet of paper) to take notes on.
Viewing Rectangles brief discussion of an appropriate scale or viewing rectangle, with reference to notation used in Rockswold
Types of Functions constant, linear, and nonlinear
Piecewise Functions piecewise constant, piecewise linear, discontinuous, continuous
Quadratics falling object example and revenue example
Transformations of graphs Horizontal and vertical shifts, reflections about x and y axes, stretching and shrinking
Rational Functions Distance, rate, time example with discussion of asymptotes
Combining Functions Difference and composition of functions with data and graphs
Exponential modeling (same as those used in Calculus II). Population of Texas data taken from Census Bureau website. Includes scatter plot and some possible curve fits. Intended as a motivation for building an exponential model based on two points. Pick your favorite curve and then finish the problem in class. Can be used in any class with a discussion of exponential functions.
Transformations of graphs (same as under College Algebra)
Graphing a composition of functions Graph f(g(x)) given graphs of f and g.
Derivative table Students fill in description of f and f'' based on f'
The cyclist Concept questions for position, velocity, and acceleration
What does f' say about f? How to graph f from f'
Graph f from f' Practice on a harder example
Tangent lines from data - population of TexasNumeric derivatives and linear approximation - Median home price
Visual proof of Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, part 1 Single slide outlining a proof of part 1 of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Reviews for tests (Fall 2004)
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test 1
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2
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3
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Sequences and Series slides Graphs of sequences with discussion of convergence of the sequence vs. convergence of the series. Includes also a graphic justification of the integral test and the integral remainder estimate. Intended to save classroom time and artistic skills.
Series Tests for Convergence Summary For students to use as reference on homework. I consider it a little too helpful to allow for reference on exams.Exponential modeling (same as those used in College Algebra). Population of Texas data taken from Census Bureau website. Includes scatter plot and some possible curve fits. Intended as a motivation for building an exponential model based on two points. Pick your favorite curve and then finish the problem in class. Can be used in any class with a discussion of exponential functions (does not require Calculus)
Simpson's Rule on a Cubic Ever notice Simpson's Rule gives the exact value for not just quadratics, but cubics? Here's one explanation why.
Reviews for tests (Fall 2003)
Review
for test 1
Review for test
2
Review for test
3
Review for test
4