Level: Form IV (10th–12th grades)
Subject(s): Math
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, 12th ed. (2025) NOTE: The book releases in August 2025, and is not needed until December.
- 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)
- 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.
- Graphing Calculator *
*As of May 2025, the SAT Calculator Policy has been revised and graphing calculators (with CAS) are no longer allowed for the PSAT or SAT. While CAS is beneficial in college, for our high school students please see the following options:
- Purchase a calculator with CAS (Mrs. Panam prefers TI-89 and up with CAS) that is suitable for use in college STEM programs—even though such calculators cannot be used on standardized tests like the PSAT and SAT. If choosing this option, also select one or both of the next two options if your student plans to take standardized tests like the PSAT/SAT.
- Use an online calculator (like DESMOS)—this means the student will need access to a laptop/desktop/tablet with access to internet. It is recommended that students master using this online calculator prior to taking a standardized test to avoid any issues during testing. (Students can also practice using the provided online test calculators via practice online PSAT/SAT tests.)
- Purchase an allowed calculator following the College Board’s instructions—here are some examples of allowed TI calculators, the underlined ones are BHSC’s recommendations:
- TI-83 Plus graphing calculator
- TI-84 Plus graphing calculator
- TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator
- TI-84 Plus CE Python graphing calculator
- TI-Nspire™ CX graphing calculator
- TI-Nspire™ CX II graphing calculator