Informal Geometry

Math 304

Spring 2002 Syllabus

Tues. & Thur. 11:00-12:15   Meeting in MacLean 269, Section #000656

 Instructor:  Mr. Tim Harms                         Office: MacLean 364

Office Phone:  236-4016                           Office hrs: Tues. & Thur. 9-11 and 1-3,

            Additional hours available by appointment  

e-mail:  harms@mnstate.edu                        Web page:  http://web.mnstate.edu/harms

 Class assignments with due dates posted are posted and regularly updated on the Web page listed above under the Math304 link.       

 Required Text & Supplement:

Text: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, Musser, G.L., Burger, W.F., Peterson, B.E., Wiley 

          Publications, 2001.

Math 304 Informal Geometry Study Guide, available at Copies Plus in the Comstock Union.

 Recommended Supplies

Three ring binder, pencil, & scientific calculator, & Tangrams-available from Art and Learn

 Course Description:

This course will focus on statistics, probability, and geometry.   You should strive to find many ways of solving these problems.  A good solution is one that can be followed by others and deals with the problem in a clever or concise way.   Not every problem will lend itself to a good solution and some require grunt work, but you will get a lot more out of the problem if you make it a point to find a good solution.

Do not be scared, lazy, or bashful to try an approach to a problem which may be a different route to a solution.  Even if it doesn’t work, it will bet you a little closer to a solution scheme that works (or you might figure out something new about the problem).  For someone learning mathematics, finding the answer is usually not the most important part of working a mathematical problem (although it is important).  James Hiebert and Thomas Carpenter (1992) in Learning and Teaching with Understanding p. 92 state: “Students’ explanations are their theories of how things work.  Asking students to verbalize their theories allows us to interact with them about their thinking.”

 Learner Outcomes:

• Development of a multitude of problem solving skills and strategies
• Increased understanding of statistics, probability, and geometry, measurement and better ways to communicate that understanding
• You will continually be asked to show how you went about solving the problems in this class.

Conceptual Framework: MSUM candidates are professionals who are knowledgeable, reflective, humanistic, and creative. For more details see:  http://web.mnstate.edu/edhuman/Accreditation/Conceptual%20Framework/Conceptual_Frameword.htm

 Student Expectations:

• Regular and active classroom participation.
• Be able to define geometric shapes by their properties
• Use appropriate tools (paper pencil, ruler, scale, calculator, computer, other manipulative) when solving problems
• Seek assistance when needed
• Learn mathematics and hopefully experience some enjoyment in the learning
• Assignments read and turned in on due dates as listed from course on-line syllabus.   
• Work cooperatively in small groups in the discussion of individual homework and the completion of study guide activities
• Solve problems in mathematics by formulating problems, use different strategies to verify and interpret results, & communicate results.
• 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 Mr. Harms)

 Evaluation:

1. Two unit tests covering: Probability and Statistics-100 pts, Geometry-100 pts
2. Quizzes will occur almost weekly, at the end of the semester your lowest quiz will be dropped from the average.
3. Assigned problems from the textbook, handouts, & study guide
4. Math education research report-20 pts
5. Measurement project-80 pts
6. Comprehensive Final 200 pts given May 8^th at 9 a.m.

 Grading Scale:

-98 A+; 97-93 A; 92-90 A-

 89-88 B+; 87-83 B; 82-80 B-

79-78 C+; 77-70 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 located in Bridges 260, or call 236-2815 to schedule an appointment.

 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 299-5859, CMU 222 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

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