MAT 210 Mathematics for Teachers ‑Number Systems

Prerequisites: none

Mathematics for Teachers is designed to satisfy the general mathematics requirement for elementary teachers (grades K‑8). The students will develop skills to enable them to teach with confidence using modern elementary textbooks. These skills involve the development of the real number system and a review of algorithms involving the fundamental operations of arithmetic.

Professor: Dr. Melinda Gann

Rationale

The acquirement of a thorough understanding of certain mathematical concepts in elementary school is critical to the development of a student’s mathematical ability in later years. Therefore, it is important that the elementary teacher understand and be able to communicate these concepts to the student. This course is designed to strengthen knowledge involving the development of the real number system and review algorithms involving the fundamental operations of arithmetic. Conceptual understanding is emphasized. Students will learn the “why” behind the “what.”

Outline of Topics

The topics in the course will primarily include material from chapters 1‑6 in the textbook. Students are expected to read the sections as they are presented and work the problems assigned with the sections. Topics include: problem solving, algebraic thinking, sets and functions, numeration systems, integers, number theory, rational numbers, real numbers, and applications.

Academic Integrity

Students at Mississippi College are expected to abide by the statements regarding honesty, plagiarism and integrity found in the Mississippi College Student Handbook (available online – p. 41). Tests, quizzes, and reports are assumed to be the student’s own work and cheating will not be tolerated.

Required Text

Billstein, R., Libeskind, S., & Lott, J. (2007) A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics. (9^th ed). Boston: Addison Wesley.

Assessment

There will be approximately 3 regular 100 point tests given during the course. A comprehensive 200 point final exam will be given at the completion of the course. You are expected to take the tests at the assigned times. If an exam is missed due to illness, a doctor’s excuse will be necessary in order to receive a make-up test. Other make up exams will administered only if the student has notified the professor prior to exam time and received permission to receive a make-up exam. These make-up exams will be given at the end of the semester (particular times will be announced at a later date). Partial credit may not be given on make-up exams.

Ten point pop tests will also be given during the semester and make-ups will not be given. Thus, if you miss a pop test, you will receive a zero. Additional assignments, such as journal critiques and projects, will be also assigned for an announced number of points. Late assignments are unacceptable.

Note: Any homework assignment is eligible to be collected and checked. You have been warned!

Course grades will be based on total points earned during the semester in the following manner:

A = 90‑100% of the total possible points

B = 80 ‑ 89% of the total possible points

C = 70 ‑ 79% of the total possible points

D = 60 ‑ 69% of the total possible points

F = below 60% of the total possible points

Class participation, attendance, and homework completion will be used as deciding factors for the course grade in borderline cases.

Contact Info

Phone: 925-3941

Email: gann@mc.edu

Webpage: www.mc.edu/~gann

Office Hours

During the following times I make a concentrated effort to be available in my office. Please be aware of the fact that I have committee meetings and emergencies do arise. Thus, it may be wise to call my office prior to coming or schedule an appointment in advance to ensure your time is maximized.

MWF 10:00 – 11:00 am

TR 9:30 – 11:30 am, 1:30 – 3:00 pm

My office is located in MCC 318.

Other Policies

The policy for the number of allowed absences is set by the college. In a MWF class, students receiving 12 absences will automatically receive a course grade of F. Please note that three tardies constitute one unexcused absence.

You are responsible for all material covered in class whether present or not. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. If you are absent, contact the professor in order to obtain your assignments.

Students having special requirements because of learning or physical disabilities should contact Dr. Buddy Wagner in the counseling and Career Development Center.

Note: The last day to drop a course this semester is Friday, October 31. Students cannot withdraw after that date with a W (withdrawal) unless the three following criteria are met:

1) extenuating circumstances (clearly outside the student’s control)

2) passing the course at the time of withdrawal

3) does not have excessive absences at the time of withdrawal

Exam Time

Monday, Dec. 15 (11:00 am – 1:00 pm)