The document is a letter from a math teacher recommending that students take Calculus Research Lab (CRL) along with AP Calculus. CRL is a half-year honors course that uses computer algebra systems like SAGE, OCTAVE and R to solve calculus problems graphically, numerically and analytically. Topics covered in CRL include Python, functions, limits, derivatives, integrals, sequences, series, differential equations, vectors, and plots. The teacher believes CRL will deepen students' understanding of calculus and better prepare them for the AP exam. Students are asked to fill out a form indicating their interest in taking CRL next year.

1. Mathematics Department
Baldwin Senior High School
Dear Math Student: Course Selection Week!!!
Congratulations, you are to be commended for all your hard work and success in
Math class so far this year! Due to your dedication to the study of Mathematics, you have
been selected to take Calculus Research Lab as described below. You really should
understand Computer Science to be successful in many careers nowadays. Computer
Programming is a very useful skill in all Science and Technical degrees in college. A good
background in computing can even help you in fields related to Statistics, Economics,
Sociology and Psychology!
Calculus Research Lab (CRL) is a full-year lab course that meets every other day
for ½ Math Credit with Honors/AP track weighting and is offered to Seniors also
taking AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC. CRL will deepen the Calculus
experience so that students have a better understanding of the material required to
pass the AP Calculus exam in May. CRL is an introduction to the world of
Scientific Computing and Mathematical Programming. We will be using Computer
Algebra Systems that make Graphing Calculators look like toys! The software used
may include SAGE, OCTAVE or R. Mathematical Programming Environments such
as these are used to solve real world problems encountered by Mathematicians and
Scientists in the field. These Scientific Computing Environments will allow us to
solve problems graphically, numerically and analytically that we could never have
solved before! CoReq = AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC.
You may take CRL in addition to AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC. CRL will
meet every other day like a science lab course. Topics explored in CRL may include:
python, SAGE vs. Mathematica, OCTAVE vs. MATLAB, R vs. S-plus, functions,
limits, numerical derivatives, differentiation rules, applications of derivatives,
Newton’s Method, Rolle’s Thm, Mean Value Thm, f’ Test,
f” Test, Candidates Thm, definite integrals, anti-differentiation rules, applications
of integrals, arc length, area, surface area, volume, Fundamental Thm, sequences,
series, power series, Taylor’s Thm, differential equations, slope fields, Euler’s
method, exponential growth and decay, exponential approach, logistic growth and
decay, vectors, 2D plots, 3D plots, polar coordinates, polar arc length, polar area,
Euler’s Identity!
I strongly recommend that you consider taking CRL next year. With your superior
math background, I know that you will enjoy learning and discovering new concepts in
Scientific Computing!
Sincerely,
A. Jorge García
calcpage@aol.com
Applied Math & CompSci
Baldwin SHS & Nassau CC
http://shadowfaxrant.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/calcpage2009
Please fill-in the blanks below and return to your teacher.
Name: Grade: Course Selection: Counselor:
____________________ __________ CRL
____________________