2024-2025 School Year

Precalculus Honors GVL

Course Description

Precalculus is intended to prepare the student for Calculus I. The focus is on a further study of algebraic functions with an integration of trigonometry. Topics to be covered are polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, piece-wise, and trigonometric functions. Additional topics include sequences, series, vectors, conic sections, parametric equations, and polar curves. The algebra and trigonometry will be enhanced through the use of the graphing calculator. Students in this honors class will complete additional work per the Honors Addendum.

Precalculus Virtual Lab is available for students who would benefit from an extra live practice session.

To be successful in this class:

Students will be expected to spend at least two hours outside of class for every one hour in class, working on problems from the textbook. They will be given assignments and chapter tests to complete at home and a midterm and final exam to complete in class.

Grades: 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade

Fees: $465

Prerequisites:

  • Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry.
  • In addition, one of the following criteria must be met AND student must have a recommendation from their last math instructor:
    • Score 95% or better in Algebra 2 AND Geometry CP courses.
    • Score 93% or better in Algebra 2 Honors and Geometry Honors course.
  • Exceptions made only upon a written request of a parent and a conference with Precalculus teacher before the 1st day of class.
  • Summer assignment is required.

Course Credit: 1 math (honors)

Required Materials

Textbook:

Required  Material:

  • TI-83 plus graphing calculator or any graphing calculator that is approved to use for the SATs

Optional Material:

  • Precalculus Teacher Edition (2nd Edition, 2 Volumes) BJU Press 2020 – This is an important tool because it has answers to every problem and provides a solution manual in the page margins.

Honors Addendum Summary

Honors students will:

  1. Complete and turn in extra problems, which are more advanced, from the textbook.
  2. One honors project will be assigned each semester. The assignment is long, has multiple parts, and requires students to be creative. Students are encouraged to start the assignment early in the semester. It is not meant to be completed in one sitting.

Specific assignments and details for honors work will be provided by the teacher.

Meet Jenn Forino

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.  Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Teaching Experience: Instructor at Center for Talented Youth, an online program offered by Johns Hopkins University, teaching Precalculus, Algebra II, and Trigonometry since 2008.  Private one-on-one tutoring since 2019. Homeschooled three children ranging from Pre-K to high school since 2020.

UHC Courses Taught:

    • Algebra 1
    • Algebra 2
    • Precalculus

Began teaching at UHC in 2022