Foundations of Number Systems
Math 303
Fall 2003 Syllabus

M, W, F 11:00-11:50   Meeting in MacLean 269, Section #001243
M, W, F 1:00-1:50      Meeting in MacLean 269, Section #000906

Professor:  Dr. Tim Harms      Office: MacLean 364
Office Phone:  477-4016        Office hrs: Mon-Friday 10-11, T & R 1-2, M & W  2-3
e-mail:  harms@mnstate.edu  Web page:  http://web.mnstate.edu/harms

Class assignments with due dates are posted and regularly updated on the Web page listed above under the Math303 link.                 

Required Text & Supplement:

Mathematics for Elementary Teachers. Musser, G.L., Burger, W.F., Peterson, B.E., Wiley Publications, 6th Edition. 2003.

&

Math 303 Guided Notes and Activities, available at Copies Plus in the Comstock Union.

Recommended Supplies:

Three ring binder, pencil, & scientific calculator.

Course Description:

Sets; systems of numeration; whole number, integer, and rational number operations and properties.

Learner Outcomes:

  • Students will demonstrate a multitude of problem solving skills and strategies.
  • Students will show a working competence calculating with different number system bases.
  • Students will correctly work with the operations and properties in the rational number system.
  • Students will explain how they went about solving problems.

Student Expectations:

  • Learn mathematics and hopefully experience some enjoyment in the learning
  • Regular and active classroom participation
  • Use appropriate tools (paper pencil, calculator, computer, other manipulatives) when solving problems
  • Seek assistance when needed
  • Assignments read and completed on due dates as listed on the course on-line syllabus
  • Work cooperatively in small groups in the discussion of individual homework
  • Completion of guided notes and review these notes
  • Students will act in an honest and trustworthy manner in class and on all assignments

(Late work will lose 50% of its value each weekday beyond its due date.  No make-up on missed quizzes or tests if prior arrangements have not been made with Dr. Harms)

Evaluation:

  1. Three unit tests:   60-100 pts each
  2. Quizzes will occur about every other week, at the end of the semester your lowest quiz will be dropped from the average if you have 3 or less tardies/absences: 10-20 pts/each
  3. Assigned problems from the textbook, guided notes, handouts, & websites: 5-10 pts/each
  4. Math education research report: 15 pts
  5. Comprehensive Final: 150 pts given  Dec. 16 at 12 noon for 11:00 class or Dec. 17 at 12 noon for 1:00 class

Grading Scale:

100-98 A+ 97-93 A 92-90 A-
89-88 B+ 87-83 B 82-80 B-
79-78 C+ 77-73 C 72-70 C-
69-68 D+ 67-63 D 62-60 D-
59%- F    

Assistance Available:
If you are trouble please see me before or after class. Math tutors are available in MacLean 362A. Individual tutors can be arranged through the counseling center. If you would like to arrange for individual tutor go to the MSU Counseling Center which is located in Flora Frick 151, information is available at http://web.mnstate.edu/counsel/.

Special Accommodations:
"Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 236-2652, CMU 222 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion."

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