Text: Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers - Long & DeTemple

Process as well as content will be important in the development of the concepts of this course. Those of you who tend to see mathematics as just right answers, rules and formulas will have to alter your view of math and in particular geometry. We will be looking at geometry from an inductive as well as deductive approach. You will have to be willing to try things, stick your neck out and possibly be wrong on occasions. If you don't give yourself time to experiment and just play with some of the ideas presented you will lose a lot of what this course is about. So don't be afraid to try things, speak up in class, and share the ideas which you have formed.

In addition to the text you will also need a compass and a ruler. Be prepared to spend 1-2 hours on each homework assignment. You must stay up-to-date on your homework. This is critical if you are to get the most out of this course. Many of the concepts will be developed in the homework assignments, hence the importance of staying up-to-date.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Gain experience with an inductive approach to mathematics.
• Become familiar with the basic tools of geometric manipulations: compass, straightedge, etc.
• Learn basic concepts of unfamiliar topics of geometry such as: topology, tessellations, and motion geometry.
• Learn basic concepts of statistics and probability.
• Learn to apply problem solving skills to algebraic and geometric problems.

EVALUATION:

Evaluation will be based upon the results of three one-hour exams which will be given during the semester. Each one-hour exam will be worth 20% of your final grade. The final exam will cover the entire course and be worth 40% of your final grade. Your class attendance and participation will not be calculated as a specific percentage of your final grade but will be taken into account when the final grade is established. Be sure you are familiar with the Academic Honesty policy which is delineated in the "Cat's Tale."