Welcome to MATH 1351     First Day Handout    

Mathematics for Teacher Certification II

Fall 2010    08241   005

FBG rm. 202  Tues & Thurs. 4:30pm-5:45pm

Dr. Nancy C. Miller, Ph.D.   Professor of Mathematics

Office Hours for Spring: Tuesdays 9:30am-11:30am; and 12 noon-2:15pm; at PIN

Thursdays 12 noon-2:15pm at PIN

Office Hours: Tues & Thur 4pm-4:25 pm in FBG HS room 202

Thurs mornings available for student appts or committee meetings

Friday mornings, Feb. 5, Mar. 5, April 16, 10-12 noon available for appts or committee meetings

Call or e-mail if you need an appointment.

 

Office: PIN 1025 inside 1023 & FBG HS room 202       Phone Number:   512-223-8270           E-Mail: nmiller@austincc.edu                   http://www.austincc.edu/nmiller

Prerequisites: MATH 1350 with at least a C grade.  Students in Math 1350/51 must have completed College Algebra or its equivalent with at least a grade of C AND have completed any remediation requirements.

Required Text:  Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers 4th  edition; Tom Bassarear; Houghton Mifflin Co.;  ISBN 13: 978-0-618-76836-3

Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers 4th  edition: Explorations; Tom Bassarear; Houghton Mifflin Co.; ISBN 13: 978-0-618-76837-0 or  Package of both texts, ISBN 13: 978-0-618-95062-1

MATH 1351 MATHEMATICS FOR MIDDLE GRADE TEACHER CERTIFICATION II (3-3-0). Concepts of geometry, probability, and statistics, as well as applications of the algebraic properties of real number to concepts of measurement with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking.

Required Materials:           Scissors, colored pencils or crayons, 1/4" graph paper, tracing paper (optional). You may want to purchase a three-ring binder, index pages (with pockets are useful), and a three-hole punch to keep and organize your materials. A pencil bag (that fits into your three-ring binder) is helpful. Being organized will be very helpful in this course.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY     This course is taught through investigations of mathematical ideas through explorations in a supportive, cooperative learning environment.

COURSE RATIONALE     MATH 1351 is the second semester of a two-semester sequence (1350/1351) designed for prospective elementary and middle school teachers. This course extends the foundational ideas of mathematics so that the prospective teachers (E.C.-8) have an explicit understanding of these concepts. This sequence of courses transfers to UT-Austin as M316K and M316L and transfers to other four-year institutions.

COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES    http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us/mthdept2/tfcourses/obj1350.htm

Learning Objectives

The objectives of MATH 1350 and MATH 1351 are to:

a) increase students' explicit understanding (a level of understanding which allows one to clearly and accurately communicate mathematical ideas) of some elementary mathematics;

b) increase students' ability to independently increase their own understanding of mathematics (they need to be able to learn math and be confident that they understand it since we can't get to everything they will need to teach elementary students);

c) challenge students' beliefs about mathematics and, hopefully, change their attitudes in a positive way;

d) provide students with an opportunity to experience mathematics in way they will be expected to teach it (for further information on that see NCTM's Professional Standards);

e) introduce, through use rather than demonstration, common manipulatives;

f) begin to develop effective communication skills that will be useful to the student when they begin teaching.

MATH 1351 covers the following topics:

  • Basic probability
  • Data collection and display
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Geometric concepts including transformations
  • Measurement

Internet: Feel free to email me with questions or comments.  You have web access from any ACC computer lab. You'll need a validated ACC ID to use the lab.

Perspective: These courses are intended to be the beginning of a transition from being a learner of mathematics to being a teacher of mathematics. This transition will culminate with the mathematics methods course taken as part of teacher training. During this transition you should develop from being able to "do" mathematics to being able to analyze and understand elementary mathematics concepts. You should concentrate on changing from a passive receiver of information to an independent learner who can seek out new ideas and understand them. Lastly, you should begin this transition by focusing on yourself as a learner of mathematics (How do I learn math?) to focusing on others' learning styles to focusing on the child as a learner and how you can facilitate that learning.  Like many other careers, elementary and middle grade education has its "tools of the trade" (manipulatives And calculators). It is unfortunate that they are only recently becoming commonly used and you will be expected to utilize them. Therefore, you must learn to use manipulatives to model mathematical ideas and, hopefully, will come to appreciate their usefulness.

Participation Expectations & Attendance: This class is designed to be active and interactive.  You must participate in group discussion with your peers each class session. Much of what you learn will evolve from in-class activities, experiences and discussions. Attendance and participation are essential. I do take attendance each class meeting. I assume that you will not miss class unless you are ill or must attend to some personal emergency (covering someone's shift at work isn't a personal emergency - Your job from 4:30-5:45pm is to be in this class on Tues & Thurs). Points will be added to your total performance point total for fewer than 3 absences or partial absence (late or leave early) or subtracted for more than 3 absences. To calculate the points you will gain or lose, use the following formula:     1.5(3 - # of absences).     I don't distinguish between excused and un-excused absences. An absence is an absence and you don't need to explain why you missed (I care and will listen but it won't change the count). I assume that if you aren't in class you have a good reason; I trust your judgment on what is a good reason (or acknowledgment of the penalty for those not good reasons). Be conscious of  signing the roll sheet every class period so that your attendance is accurately recorded, only when you  are present for the entire class time, during the first few weeks.

Study: A college mathematics course typically requires two to three hours of study outside of class for every one hour spent in class. Using this guideline, you should schedule three to five hours per class period for studying outside of class and then be grateful if you don't need it.  This is a very intensive and demanding course. You will have to spend time outside of class working on this course; because of that, you will want to use your time in class effectively (not visiting!). The tasks in the course will require time outside of scheduled class hours for reading, thinking, problem solving, and writing. You may also want to plan for time to work with classmates outside of class time. If you work full-time or if you are taking courses and working, you should carefully consider how you will manage the time requirements of this course as well as your additional responsibilities.

Incompletes: I don't give a grade of incomplete except in extreme documented cases. Extreme means something drastic occurring after the drop date of April 27, 2009, when your average is a C or better before that. Otherwise don't ask.

Withdrawals: Either one of us may initiate a withdrawal up to the published withdrawal date.  College policy is that an instructor may withdraw you from a course if you miss four class meetings or are not making adequate progress in the course (not turning in assignments). Do not assume that I will withdraw you if you just stop attending class; while I have the right, I make no commitment to withdraw you for non-attendance. If there's a problem, call, email or leave a note.  Be flexible, come to class, do your work, and ask questions.  The last day to withdraw is April 26, 2010.

Organization: This course will cover Chapters 7-10 of the text beginning with 8, 9, 10 and finishing with 7. 

*Additional information about ACC's mathematics curriculum and faculty is available on the Internet at http://www.austincc.edu/math/

Course Components: You will be evaluated on each of the following course components.

Text exercises ………………….……120 points

Chapter explorations ………………..280 points

Reflective writings ………………….. 60 points

Problems set (take home exam)      100 points

In class exams 1 and 2……….……..200 points

Final exam in class…………….…….100 points

Portfolio  …………….………………….40 points

Assessment  or  Grading Policy:

Chapter exercises…..…… 10 points each completely worked, correct response set.

Chapter explorations……. 10 points each completely worked, correct response set.

Reflective writings……… 10 points each read and recorded. Credit for thoroughly writing  on topic assigned showing evidence of entire reading.

Problem set take home test 100 points possible, completely worked, correct response set with sufficient justification.     Worked alone without help from another person, but not in class.  You may use your text books or other books.

In class exams 1 & 2 and final exams….100 points each completely worked in class with process shown and explained.

Portfolio…………………. 40 points. The portfolio is part of your final assessment and will consist of several challenging writing and problem solving components along with some of your best work and your word list with definitions. In the writing component, you will evaluate your own progress in meeting the course objectives and you will discuss your mathematical growth. In the problem-solving component, you will demonstrate that you have become more competent as an independent learner by exploring new mathematical concepts.

Grading Scale

A………..810-900 points minimum and minimum grade of 80 on the in class final exam

B………..720 minimum points and minimum grade of 70 on the in class final exam

C……….630 minimum points and minimum grade of 65 on the in class final exam

D……….540 minimum points and minimum grade of 55 on the in class final exam

F……….below 540 points or  below 55 on the in class final exam

So if a student earns 820 points on course work, but the final exam grade is 75, the final exam grade of 75 would mean the student would earn a course grade of B. Both minimum points and minimum final exam scores are required for any grade as listed above.

I’m glad you are in my class. I will be your encourager as you learn mathematics.

Missed Exams:  in order to take a make-up in class exam or final exam a student must provide official documentation of emergency or illness within 2 days of the exam and take the exam then.  

Late daily work is accepted for 80% of full credit up to 3 days late until May 1.  No late daily work can be accepted after May 1.  Five points is deducted for each day late on the  Problem Set.

You will want to look at these pages.    NCTM, <http://www.nctm.org>; Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, <http://www.nctm.org/standards/>;  toolkit and benchmarks at  http://www.utdanacenter.org/

Assignments

Chapter 8: Geometry as Shape

Explorations 8.1…, 8.2,………………………………..………….……20 Points

Section 8.1 Exploring Basic Concepts of Geomety

Text Exercises 8.1…..2,   8,  9, 10,  15, 18a……………………..… 10 Points

Due date for Expl 8.1, 8.2, & text 8.1  Jan. 26

Section 8.2 Exploring Two-Dimensional Figures

Explorations 8.9,…….… 8.11……………………………………...…..….20 Points

Text Exercises 8.2….. 1, 2, 4,  7, 9, 10, 14a &b, 16, 18…..………....10 Points

Due date for Expl 8.9, 8.11, & text 8.2, Feb 2

Section 8.3 Exploring Three-Dimensional Figures

Explorations 8.14 ……………. 8.15,… 8.17 …….…………………..……30 Points

Text Exercises  8.3…..1, 2,  6, 8  23………………………………..……..10 Points

Due date for remainder of Chapter 8  Feb. 11

Problem Set Exam  handed out Thursday, Feb 11 & due Feb. 18..…100 Points

The explorations may be turned in one at a time as you complete them early.

Chapter 9: Geometry as Transforming Shapes

Explorations 9.1, …….9.3 part 1…………………………………….……20 Points

Section 9.1 Exploring Congruence Transformations

Explorations 9.4 delete 5-8,….. 9.6…………………………..…………20 Points

Text Exercises 9.1…. 1, 2, 3, 4,  5, 6, 7, 9……………………………...10 Points

This assignment is due  Feb. 25.

Section 9.2 Symmetry and Tessellations

Exploration 9.7……………………………………………………………10 Points

Text Exercises           9.2…..1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 20, 25…………………10 Points

This assignment is due  March 4.

Section 9.3 Exploring Similarity

Explorations 9.11, …..9.12………………………………….………….….20 Points

Text Exercises           9.3…..1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10…………………………10 Points

This assignment is due  March 9.

Section 9.4 Topology   discussion

Exam 1 will be in class without books, but 1 page of notes allowed, Chapters 8 & 9,  Mar. 11………………………………………………….…………..…..…100 Points

Chapter10: Geometry as Measurement

Section 10.l Systems of Measurement

Explorations 10.1.or. 10.2 (Nancy will tell you in class). 10.3, 10.4 (thru Part 2,2),…………………………………………………………………………..30 Points

Text Exercises           10.1……1, 2, 3, 4, 10a, 16, 18,  28 a,b,c………….10 Points

This assignment is due  March 30.

Section 10.2 Perimeter and Area

Explorations 10.6,  10.7,. 10.8,. 10.12…….…………………………….40 Points

Text Exercises 10.2….. 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 14, 19………………………..…10 Points

This assignment is due  April 13.

Section 10.3 Surface Area and Volume

Exploration 10.14,  10.15…………………………………..……………….20 Points

Text Exercise 10.3… 1, 3,  7, 14, 17, 20………………………………….10 Points

This assignment is due  April 20

Exam 2 will be in class without books, but 1 page of notes allowed, Chapters 8 - 10,

April 22………………………………………………….………..……..…100 Points

Chapter 7: Uncertainty: Data and Chance

Section 7.1 Representing and Interpreting Data

Exploration (collect data before class)7.2,  7.4 (5) or 7.5……………...20 Points

Text Exercises 7.1……1,  5, 9, 10, 11, 14, 17, 21, 30………………….10 Points

This assignment is due  April 29.

Section 7.2. Distributions: Centers and Spreads

Exploration 7.7 part…………………………………………….………….10 Points

Text Exercises 7.2….4, 6 a-e,. 7a-g, 11a, 21    …………….………….10 Points

This assignment is due  May 4.

Section 7.3 Concepts Related to Chance

Exploration 7.18……7.19…………………………………………………….20 Points

Text Exercises           7.3…..1, 2, 6, 10, 12………………………………….10 Points

This assignment is due  May 11.

Final exam will be in class May 13, without books, but 1 page of notes allowed, over Chapters 7-10..100pts

 Portfolio I will distribute your portfolio assignments on May 4. It will be due by May 13, no later than 5:45pm.

 

Scholastic Dishonesty    Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, work, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework.
 

 Scholastic Dishonesty Penalty    Students who violate the rules concerning scholastic dishonesty will be assessed an academic penalty which the instructor determines is in keeping with the seriousness of the offense. This academic penalty may range from a grade penalty on the particular assignment to an overall grade penalty in the course, including possibly an F in the course. ACC's policy can be found in the Student Handbook page 33 or on the web at:  http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/

 
Student Discipline  Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook page 32 or on the web at: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/
 
Students with Disabilities   Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office of Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.  Students who are requesting accommodation must provide the instructor with a letter of accommodation from the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) at the beginning of the semester.   Accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the letter of accommodation from OSD.

 

Academic Freedom   Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good.  The common good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression.  In this course the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions.  Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues. Grades will not be affected by personal views.  With this freedom comes the responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions.  This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks.
 

TESTING CENTER POLICY

ACC Testing Center policies can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/    

STUDENT SERVICES:  http://www.austincc.edu/current/

The ACC student handbook can be found at:  http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/