Visit the interactive textbook at: https://dmccreary.github.io/calculus/
This is an interactive, AI-generated intelligent textbook for AP Calculus designed for high school students seeking college credit. Built using MkDocs with the Material theme, it incorporates learning graphs, concept dependencies, and over 100 interactive MicroSims (p5.js simulations) that make calculus come alive.
The textbook covers both AP Calculus AB and BC curricula with 23 comprehensive chapters spanning limits, derivatives, integrals, and their applications. The fun, encouraging tone—featuring Delta, a curious triangular robot mascot who explores the hills and valleys of mathematical curves—makes even challenging topics accessible and engaging.
Whether you're a student preparing for AP exams, an educator looking for interactive teaching resources, or a self-learner building calculus foundations, this textbook provides hands-on exploration with immediate visual feedback. All MicroSims use open-source JavaScript libraries and run directly in your browser—no special software required.
| Metric | Count |
|---|---|
| Concepts in Learning Graph | 380 |
| Chapters | 23 |
| Markdown Files | 185 |
| Interactive MicroSims | 100 |
| Glossary Terms | 230 |
| FAQ Questions | 72 |
| Chapter Quizzes | 23 |
- Learning Graph: 380 calculus concepts with dependency relationships for optimal learning sequencing
- Interactive MicroSims: 100 p5.js simulations covering everything from limits to optimization
- Delta the Robot: A friendly mascot who makes abstract concepts tangible by "experiencing" calculus physically
- Bloom's Taxonomy Alignment: Content designed for higher-order thinking (Analyze, Evaluate, Create)
- AP Exam Preparation: Covers all topics for both AP Calculus AB and BC examinations
- Open Source Tools Only: Ensuring every student can participate regardless of economic situation
git clone https://github.com/dmccreary/calculus.git
cd calculusThis project uses MkDocs with the Material theme:
pip install mkdocs
pip install mkdocs-materialServe locally for development (with live reload):
mkdocs serveOpen your browser to http://localhost:8000/calculus/
mkdocs gh-deploycalculus/
├── docs/ # MkDocs documentation source
│ ├── chapters/ # 23 chapter directories
│ │ ├── 01-foundations-of-calculus/
│ │ │ ├── index.md # Chapter content
│ │ │ └── quiz.md # Chapter quiz
│ │ └── ...
│ ├── sims/ # 100 interactive p5.js MicroSims
│ │ ├── graph-viewer/ # Learning graph visualization
│ │ ├── secant-to-tangent/ # Derivative concept visualization
│ │ └── ...
│ ├── learning-graph/ # Learning graph data and analysis
│ │ ├── concept-list.md # 380 concepts
│ │ └── quality-metrics.md # Quality analysis
│ ├── appendices/ # Supporting materials
│ │ └── delta.md # Meet Delta mascot
│ ├── glossary.md # 230 ISO 11179-compliant definitions
│ ├── faq.md # 72 frequently asked questions
│ └── index.md # Home page
├── mkdocs.yml # MkDocs configuration
└── README.md # This file
- Foundations of Calculus - Functions, domains, transformations
- Understanding Limits - Intuitive and graphical limits
- Evaluating Limits - Algebraic techniques
- Continuity - Types and conditions
- Asymptotes and End Behavior - Function behavior at extremes
- The Derivative Concept - Rates of change and tangent lines
- Differentiability - When derivatives exist
- Basic Derivative Rules - Power, constant, sum rules
- Product, Quotient, Transcendental - Extended differentiation
- The Chain Rule - Composite function derivatives
- Implicit Differentiation - Derivatives of implicit relations
- Inverse Function Derivatives - Derivatives of inverses
- Higher-Order Derivatives - Motion and acceleration
- Related Rates - Applied differentiation
- L'Hospital's Rule - Indeterminate forms
- MVT and Extrema - Optimization foundations
- Derivative Tests - Classifying critical points
- Curve Sketching - Complete function analysis
- Optimization - Applied maxima and minima
- Basic Antiderivatives - Introduction to integration
- Transcendental Integrals - Exponential and logarithmic
- Riemann Sums and FTC - The fundamental theorem
- Integral Properties - Integration techniques
Found a bug, typo, or have a suggestion for improvement? Please report it:
When reporting issues, please include:
- Description of the problem or suggestion
- Steps to reproduce (for bugs)
- Screenshots (if applicable)
- Browser/environment details (for MicroSims)
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — Give appropriate credit with a link to the original
- NonCommercial — No commercial use without permission
- ShareAlike — Distribute contributions under the same license
See LICENSE.md for full details.
This project is built on the shoulders of giants in the open source community:
- MkDocs - Static site generator optimized for project documentation
- Material for MkDocs - Beautiful, responsive theme
- p5.js - Creative coding library powering our MicroSims
- vis-network - Network visualization for learning graphs
- MathJax - LaTeX equation rendering
- Claude AI by Anthropic - AI-assisted content generation
- GitHub Pages - Free hosting for open source projects
Special thanks to the educators and developers who contribute to making educational resources accessible and interactive.
Dan McCreary
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmccreary
- GitHub: @dmccreary
Questions, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities? Feel free to connect on LinkedIn or open an issue on GitHub.