Spring semester begins January 3, 2012!

I have posted the January assignment calendar: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/ibmathsl/ibslcalendars/

As you will see, we will be studying probability and statistics.  The test on these topics will be on Thursday, February 9, 2012.  After that test, we will be covering a variety of calculus topics to finish the course before we review for the IB Math SL exams in early May.

Enjoy the last moments of your break.  I hope to see you at the IB Reception on Monday (2 pm in the library).  Otherwise, I'll see you during advocacy on Tuesday at 7:40 AM and during class.

Final exam information

In case anyone was afraid that I might not finish you final exam, I am happy to report that I just finished it.

If you refer to Topics 1-5 in the IB Math SL syllabus, these topics are covered on the final exam approximately as follows

• ~1/3 of the final exam on Topics 1 & 2: Algebra & Functions and Equations
• ~1/3 of the final exam on Topic 3: Circular Functions and Trigonometry
• ~1/3 of the final exam on Topics 4 & 5: Matrices & Vectors

Some other facts about the final that you might want to know:

• 120 marks for the 2 hour (120 minute) exam
• calculator allowed for the entire exam
• 13 questions worth a total of 72 marks (60% of exam) are shorter response
• broad coverage of topics from this semester
• 3 questions worth a total of 48 marks (40% of exam) are longer response
• focused on syllabus topics 1, 3, and 5 (see above)

The best advise I can give is for you to not spend too much time on any one question.  Just like the IB exam itself, this final exam is not designed for everyone to get every question.  There will be a curve to adjust for the difficulty level of the questions.  Make sure you are familiar with what is (and is not) contained in the information booklet.

Good luck!

Test #1 results

All of you made it through the first test!  I am very pleased with the results and I believe that all of you demonstrated growth over the past 5 weeks.  The scores on gradespeed include the curve which was 1/4 of the points lost (for example, a raw score of 80 would receive a curve of 20/4 = 5).

The topics we have just completed account for about 19% of the SL topics (about 26 hours of instruction out of 140 total hours).  On the 2011 SL exam, for example, there were 34 out of 120 (19%) marks related to these topics.

I want everyone to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.  We will be studying topics that are increasingly difficult and completing internal assessments that are quite intense. Your chances of success will remain high if you all maintain the strong work ethics and positive attitudes you have already established.

After a bit of discuss about this test, you will find out more about the internal assessment requirements during class tomorrow.

Thank you!

7.2 Group solutions (p. 213)

http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/ibmathsl/notes/sl-p213.PDF

September assignment calendar modified

http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/ibmathsl/ibslcalendars/ibsl1109.pdf

Topics for the week of September 12 have been consolidated and an extra day of test review has been added to the week of September 19.

Open house

I enjoyed getting to meet many parents last night and sharing information about IB Math SL with them.  Parents are encouraged to contact me any time with questions or concerns.

School starts tomorrow!

The first day of the 2011-2012 school year is Monday, August 22.  You will start in your advocacy class at 7:40 AM and then go to each of your classes for an abbreviated period.

As you will see on your schedule, I have moved to room S-365 on the third floor.

I am looking forward the the start of what I am certain will be an outstanding year!

Welcome!

I am excited to embark on the "IB Math SL" maiden voyage with my class this year.  I have been busy making plans for the class.  New students can read the course guide: http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/ibmathsl/ibslguide11.pdf and IB syllabus:
http://www.bellaire.org/mazzoni/ibmath/ibmathsl/syllabus.pdf

Also, please sign-up to follow this blog.  Important information will be posted here throughout the year.

Enjoy the last two weeks of summer break!