The document is a letter from a mathematics teacher recommending a student take Calculus Research Lab (CRL) along with AP Calculus. CRL is a half-credit honors/AP course that uses computer algebra systems like SAGE, OCTAVE, and R to solve calculus problems graphically, numerically, and analytically. Topics covered in CRL include functions, limits, derivatives, integrals, sequences, series, differential equations, and more. The teacher strongly recommends the student take CRL to deepen their understanding of calculus and gain experience with scientific computing environments.

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:

2. ____________________ __________ CRL ____________________