MATH 106: Concepts of Elementary Mathematics II: Spring 2009
INSTRUCTOR: Jill Kitzmiller, Math Department
Office Hours: By Appointment
Web Site: http://faculty.palomar.edu/jkitzmiller/
Phone: (619) 594 -5711 (SDSU) E-mail: jkitzmiller@palomar.edu
TEXT & MATERIALS: Reconceptualizing Mathematics: Part 3 Reasoning About Shapes and Measurement; Sowder. A calculator, scissors, ruler (both English & metric), compass, and protractor will be used.
WEBSITE: Bookmark my personal website. You will be required to print your own copies of all handouts needed for each class meeting. All worksheets are identified by corresponding section in the text and need to be brought to class for in class participation each week. Also included, but not necessary to print and bring to class, are more complete answers for the homework assigned (some homework problems still do not contain complete answers or explanations). I will also post answer keys for the quizzes and exams on the site. The main page for the website also contains an article on how the brain learns mathematics and how to reduce math anxiety, which may be informative/helpful for yourself or your students.
PREREQUISITE: Minimum grade of “C” in Math 105
SCOPE OF COURSE: An extension of Math 105, including selected topics from two- and three- dimensional geometry, motion geometry, and measurement. Recommended for prospective elementary and middle school teachers, parents, and liberal art students.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Successful students will be able to do the following:
PACE OF COURSE: This course moves rapidly, especially meeting only once per week. For every hour spent in class, you are expected to spend 2 -3 hours outside of class reading the book, doing homework, and studying the material. It is critical that you attend class, read ahead and ask questions. The book is designed to explore geometry and does not contain full explanations. You may have trouble understanding the material if you are not in class every week. If you fall behind it will be difficult to catch up. You are responsible for all material in assigned sections and all material covered in lecture, even if you are absent.
EXAMINATIONS: There will be approximately 6 take-home quizzes worth 25 points each, three in class exams worth 100 points each and one comprehensive final examination worth 150 points. No quizzes are accepted after the quiz key has been distributed. Plan on being in class on time to turn in your quizzes or other assignments, or drop them in my mailbox at the math department office before class. There are no make-ups on quizzes, but you can drop your lowest quiz score. Plan now to be in class on the date of the Exams. If there is a conflict in your schedule, let me know in advance. Exams can be made up in the math lab only if you make arrangements with me in advance.
PROJECTS: There will be two projects assigned during the semester worth about 25 points each. These will be demonstrations of things that you learned or researched during the semester. Further information will be given for each project.
HOMEWORK: It is expected that you do the homework problems suggested on assignment sheet. Some of the problems will be reviewed in class, but it is recommended that you find a study partner to work with and complete all problems assigned in class activities and the text book. Partial answers to some of the problems are in the back of the book. Homework may be turned in (on the date of exams) for up to 5 points of extra credit on the exam. If turning in homework, please label each section
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION: Any student who may need academic accommodation should discuss the situation with me during the first week of class.
ATTENDANCE: Regular class attendance is necessary for this class. You may be dropped if you miss two consecutive class meetings or more than two absences. Check the class schedule for drop dates. Any student enrolled at the end of the semester will receive a letter grade. NO EXCEPTIONS.
BEHAVIOR: You will be asked to leave the class for one or two class meetings if you exhibit behavior that prohibits or impedes any member of this class from pursuing any class assignment objective or learning opportunity within the classroom. Please be courteous of others, try to be on time, turn off your cell phone, ipod, computer, or other electronic devices (no headphones in class), and avoid talking during lectures. It is assumed that each student will do his/her own work. If a student is caught cheating on a test, that student will receive a “0” grade on that exam and that score will not be dropped.
GRADING: To receive a passing grade of “C” or better, you must receive a 90 points or more (60%) on the final exam AND have a 420 points or more based on:
Quizzes (drop 1) and projects 175 points
Exams 300 points
Final 150 points
Total 625 points
Breakdown: 563 points & up = A, 500 - 562 = B, 438 - 499 = C, 375 - 437 = D,
below 375 (or below 90 points on final exam) = F.
Attendance, class participation and a subjective instructor’s interpretation of work may be used in assigning a final grade to borderline cases.
INCOMPLETE: To receive a final grade of incomplete, you must be passing the class and be unable to take the final exam.