CMU+MA224+Syllabus

**Course Syllabus, 2015 Term I** **Central Methodist University**
 * MA224: Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grade Teachers**

**Meeting Times:** Monday & Wednesday 5:30–7:30pm **Instructor:** Kevin Gillespie **Email address:** gillespie.kp@gmail.com **Website:** http://kpgillespie.wikispaces.com/MA224 **Phone: 636-208-3759** **Required Textbook:** Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: A Conceptual Approach (Bennett, Burton, Nelson, 2010) 9th ed

**Central Methodist University Mission:**
...//to prepare students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership,// //and social responsibility.//

The University community believes in seeking knowledge, truth, and wisdom; valuing freedom, honesty, civility, and diversity; living a life of service and leadership; taking responsibility for ourselves and the communities in which we live.

Central Methodist University affirms its Wesleyan heritage and its unique place as the only United Methodist-related University in Missouri. The location of its main campus in a small, historic, rural community provides and opportunity for students to live and learn in a safe setting. The university values its strong liberal arts tradition, providing a foundation for excellent professional programs. CMU and its outreach activities foster an environment in which a diverse student body can develop intellectually, socially, and spiritually. University life emphasizes honesty, integrity, civility, and a strong sense of personal responsibility as integral elements of character and leadership. Central Methodist University nurtures a spirit of community and caring among students, faculty, and staff.

**Non-Discrimination Policy:**
Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability in its recruitment and admission of students. The University’s educational programs, activities, financial aid, loan, and scholarship programs are made available to all qualified students without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements.

**Course Description:**
This is a 4 hour course that is central to a comprehensive elementary and middle school mathematics curriculum in a problem solving context. This course includes the development of the real numbers as a mathematical system and an informal introduction to geometric concepts.

**Course Rationale:**
This course is to give pre-service elementary and middle school teacher the opportunity to review and master mathematical concepts which will be important to them as teachers

**Objectives:**
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to: 1. Recognize and use a variety of problem solving strategies to answer and explain problems. 2. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers. 3. Recognize and define the various properties of real numbers including commutative, associative, and distributive properties. 4. Use exponents; operate with numbers in exponential form; transform numbers to and from scientific notation. 5. Add, subtract, and count in non-base 10 numbers; transform to and from base 10 6. Explain the meaning of a place value system and represent base 10 numbers in expanded notation. 7. Recognize and classify polygons by sides and angles; find the area of specific polygons 8. Solve problems involving geometric figures. 9. Solve problems involving algebraic and geometric formulas.

Common Core Competencies:
MA224 meets the competency requirements for Foundations in Mathematical Literacy [I.5-6]

**Pace of Course:**
This course will move very rapidly. For every hour spent in class, you are expected to spend an hour or so outside of class reading the book, doing homework problems, and studying the material. If you fall behind, it will be very difficult to catch up. You are responsible for all material in assigned chapters and all material covered in lecture, even if you are absent. See the homework page

**Attendance:**
Regular attendance is necessary for this class. Late arrival or early departure from class may be counted as an absence. In the event of an absence, you are responsible for all of the material covered in class that day and any schedule changes or class announcements. Please refer to the attendance policies listed on pages 34 and 35 of the CLAS catalog for additional information.

**Academic Dishonesty and Classroom Conduct:**
All work that you complete for a grade in this course should be your own. Anyone caught cheating on a test or assignment will receive a grade of “0” on that assignment. Further consequences of cheating are possible and are stated in the CLAS catalog on pages 41 and 42. Any conduct that disrupts the class or hinders the learning process will not be tolerated. Please turn off cell phones during class.

**Grading Policies:**
There will be four unit tests, four take-home quizzes and daily homework. The unit tests will be closed book and closed notes, but I will supply some key information to you. You will be allowed to use your calculator on all tests and quizzes.

4 tests (100 points each) .............................400 points 4 quizzes (~25 points each) ........................100 points 10 homework (~10 points each) ..................100 points Total Points Possible ...................................600 points

Your course grade will be based on your end-of-semester point total and the following scale: A = 540 - 600 B = 480 - 539 C = 420 - 479 D = 360 - 419 F = below 360

NOTE: Make-ups for missed tests will be granted only in cases of medical or job-related emergencies that are documented by the physician or employer. Homework assignments are due at the start of the next class. Late homework will be penalized. Daily quizzes can not be made up.

**Homework:**
Homework problems from the textbook for each section covered in class will be assigned, collected and graded. The problems on the exams will closely resemble the homework problems. Some exam and/or quiz problems will be actual homework problems. As a result, there is a very strong correlation between completing the homework and passing the class. Make an effort to work all of the homework problems and get help when needed.


 * This syllabus is subject to change, without notice, at the digression of the instructor**.