Math 212: Elementary Math II- Syllabus

Math 212: Elementary Math II - Summer 2007

Instructor: Jodi Fasteen

Office: M326 Neuberger Hall. This is located between the 3rd and 4th floors.
Office hours:
- On class days 12:40 to 1:30
- Note: Class is 11-12:40 (491/591) and 4- 6:50pm, MTWR
or by appointment.
e-mail: "jfasteen" at "pdx.edu"
website: http://www.mth.pdx.edu/~jfasteen
Homework

Text:

Bennett and Nelson, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: A Conceptual Approach
Bennett and Nelson, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: An Activity Approach

Prerequisites: The prereqs for this course are Math 95 or its equivalent, and Math 211. Therefore, you should be familiar with problem solving, basic algebra, radicals and exponents, fractions, decimals, and order of operations.

Topics and Goals: We will explore geometry, measurement, statistics, and probability. These topics are contained in Chapters 7 thru 10 of the text. There will be an underlying theme of problem solving in all of the topics we will cover.

Goals:

Think visually with the aid of concrete models and diagrams
Understand and connect ideas and concepts
Problem solve and reason mathematically
Invent procedures and make generalizations
Communicate mathematically
Respect and understand the mathematical thinking of others
Enjoy learning and doing math!

Attendance: There is a strong emphasis in this course on activity based learning. You will be constructing your knowledge of math concepts by doing activities in small groups in class. Regular attendance is essential.

If you miss a class, you should arrange to get notes from a classmate. There are absolutely no make-ups without prior arrangement with the instructor or legitimate excuse such as a doctors note or funeral service card. A note from an employer is not a legitimate excuse. If you do need to make up an exam, you may need to pay a fee at the testing center for proctoring.

Disability Services: If you have a learning or physical disability and are in need of academic accommodations, please contact PSU’s Disability Services at 503-725-4150. They will determine any adjustments that need to be made for your individual needs.

Grading:

Homework Assignments & Quizzes 35%

In Class Activities (Participation, etc) 15%

Midterm 25%

Final Exam 25%

Grading Scale

A 90 - 100%

B 80 - 89%

C 70 - 79%

D 60 - 69%

F 0 - 59%

Homework Assignments: Homework assignments must be submitted on time.

Homework will generally be from the following four categories:

Textbook problems
Workbook problems
Writing assignments: These should be typed and proofread before submitting. Hand written versions will generally not be accepted. I'll give more specifics later.
Worksheets given in class

Show your steps when you do your homework. Make your work clear and easy to follow. For most problems you do not have to write long paragraph answers. Usually a well labelled, orderly problem speaks for itself. If you find that you are writing long answers to most hw problems, consider whether you can summarize and organize your work to make it more clear and succinct. Consider doing a scratch paper version and a final draft.

Quizzes: Quizzes will be given at random over recently covered material or homework. Please come to class each day prepared to demonstrate knowledge from the previous day's material. This will help us to avoid waiting until tests to iron out the kinks.

Prerequisite material is fair game for class projects and quizzes/exams. i.e. The correct use of order of operations and fraction operations is expected.