Informal Geometry

Math 304

Spring 2004 Syllabus

Tues. & Thur. 11:00-12:15 or 12:30-1:45 meeting in MacLean 269,

Section #001001 & #001277 respectfully

Instructor: Dr. Tim Harms Office: MacLean 364

Office Phone: 477-4016 Office hrs: Tues. & Thur. 9:20-10:50 and 2:00-4:00,

e-mail: harms@mnstate.edu Additional hours available by appointment

Web page: http://web.mnstate.edu/harms

Required Text & Supplement:

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

Publications, 6^th Edition. 2003.

Math 304 Informal Geometry Guided Notes and Activities, 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.

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.

Course Outline:

Unit 1 – Statistics and Probability (Chapters 10-11), Unit 2 – Geometry (Chapter 12 & 14)

Unit 3 – Measurement (Chapter 13)

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

Student Expectations:

• Regular and active classroom participation.
• Be able to define geometric shapes by their properties.
• Use appropriate tools (paper pencil, ruler, protractor, calculator, computer, other manipulatives) when solving problems.
• Learn mathematics and hopefully experience some enjoyment in the learning.
• 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.

Attendance Policy:

• If you have 2 or less absences at the end of the semester the lowest quiz will be dropped from your course average (note: 3 tardies will be considered equal to an absence).
• 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. Two unit tests covering: Probability and Statistics-100 pts, Geometry-100 pts
2. Quizzes will occur about every other week.
3. Assigned problems from the textbook, handouts, & Guide Notes- 5 to 10 pts each
4. Math Station involving Statistics, Probability, Geometry or Measurement -15 pts
5. Measurement project - 80 pts
6. Comprehensive Final - 150 pts given May 7^th at Noon for 12:30 class, and May 13^th at

9 a.m. for the 11:00 class

Grading Scale:

-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 having trouble please see Dr. Harms during office hours or make an appointment. Math tutors are available in MacLean 362A. Individual tutors can be arranged through the counseling and personal growth center located in Bridges 260, or call 477-2227 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 477-2652 (voice) or 477-2047 (TTY), CMU 222 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.