Text/course summary

Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, 4th Ed., by Musser and Burger. We will try to cover chapters 10 - 16 and section C-3 as time allows. The two major themes in the course are probability/statistics and geometry. We will aim for a solid grounding in the basic facts and terminology in these areas. Whenever possible we will emphasize the practical application of these specialty areas within mathematics. On a separate handout we detail your expected involvement in Family Math Space Fun Nights. Briefly, you will work in teams to create a fun activity for elementary kids. At a local school FMSFN you will try it out on real kids. The NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards we will be emphasizing (see the inside front and back cover of our text) include 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 13 in the K-4 standards, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13 in the grades 5-8 standards. We will make occasional use of calculators (especially in Ch. 11 and 12) and of the computer math software called Geometer's Sketchpad. If you have a graphing calculator you will find it helpful, but a standard inexpensive calculator will suffice. We will make occasional use of internet resources available in the McGraw/Anderson lab. You will need to bring a protractor and compass to class when we do the geometry.

Grading	We will have two hour tests, usually one quiz per week, occasional graded homework, papers, and group work, and a comprehensive exam. Tentative test dates (Fridays) are: week 5 = 10/2, week 11 = 11/13, and the exam is Wednesday, 12/16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
	Your grade will be based on total points with the maximum total points determined from: Tests (2 at 100 points each) 200 Quizzes, Paper(s), Groupwork (incl. FMSFM) 250 (approx) Exam 200 Total 650 (approx)
	I usually use a 90 - 80 - 70 - 60 percent curve on the total points to determine the letter grade. So if total points available end up at 650, you would need .9 times 650 = 585 points for an A, etc.

Homework

I will be assigning homework daily, but will usually not collect it. You should take responsibility for doing an appropriate amount of homework - more or less than I assign depending on whether you understand that section poorly or well. The purpose of the quizzes is to give you quick feedback on whether you are keeping up, and motivation to stay current on the homework.

Missed tests

If you miss a quiz for an approved reason, you may either take it late (if I haven't handed it back yet), or take an "E" grade. All E grades will be converted to your quiz average at the end.

Rules on working together

You are encouraged to work with others on the homework. You will learn better if you help someone else, and of course you will profit from help if you are stuck. On quizzes and tests you should work by yourself, neither offering nor accepting help.

Cheating

Penalties for cheating will be as outlined in UWS Chapter 14: they will include getting 0 on that work, and losing my respect.

Special Needs

Any special arrangements needed because of religious beliefs, university sponsored events, or disabilities should be brought to my attention as soon as possible. I will do my best to work out mutually satisfactory accommodation.

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This page last updated 4 September 1998