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Math 100. Exploring Mathematics. Spring 2021.

Prerequisite: Math 10B (Structure and Concepts in Mathematics II).

Hours: 3.

Course Description
This course is designed for prospective elementary school teachers. The major focus of the course is on developing mathematical reasoning and thinking. This course encourages students to formulate conjectures and to explore mathematical concepts through investigations, use of technology, analytical and logical thinking. This course is designed to develop students' problem solving, mathematical reasoning and communication skills that are essential to become effective elementary school mathematics teachers. The mathematical content of this course will include topics from number theory, geometry, algebra, and statistics. With these points in mind, the specific goals of Math 100 are as follows. By the end of the course each student should:

This course is approved by the Liberal Studies Committee as meeting the content specifications in mathematics as part of the blended program in undergraduate teacher preparation which prepares Multiple Subject candidates by connecting subject matter and pedagogical studies in a manner that emphasizes quality, depth, rigor and scope.

Primary Content Learning Outcomes
These learning outcomes are aligned with the content specifications in the subject area assigned. Upon the completion of the course students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to use technology for complex calculations, drawings, mathematical writings, communication, and searches.
  2. Represent, investigate, and explain patterns, including relations and functions, through tables, graphs, verbal and symbolic rules.
  3. Demonstrate the ability of solving a wide variety of problems that are required by the California Content Standards in grades 1-8.
  4. Gain familiarity with problem types of mathematics questions on required CBEST and CSET tests for elementary teachers.
  5. Use concrete representations, such as manipulatives, models, and drawings for investigating and explaining mathematical concepts and patterns.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to interpret assessment results, including standardized test scores.

Primary Skills and Abilities Learning Outcomes
These learning outcomes are aligned with the content specifications in the subject area assigned. In Math 10A students began to develop these skills and abilities and these will be the main focus in Math 100. Upon the completion of the course students will be able to:

  1. Identify and prioritize relevant and missing information in mathematical problems.
  2. Analyze complex problems to identify similar simple problems that might suggest solution strategies.
  3. Represent a problem in alternate ways, such as words, symbols, concrete models, and diagrams, to gain greater insight.
  4. Consider examples and patterns as means to formulating a conjecture.
  5. Apply logical reasoning and techniques from arithmetic and algebra.
  6. Analyze problems to identify alternative solution strategies.
  7. Evaluate the truth of mathematical statements.
  8. Apply different solution strategies (e.g., estimation) to check the reasonableness of a solution.
  9. Demonstrate that a solution is correct.
  10. Explain their mathematical reasoning through a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and concrete models.
  11. Use appropriate mathematical notation with clear and accurate language.
  12. Explain how to derive a result based on previously developed ideas, and explain how a result is related to other ideas.

Grading policy: Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on exams, homework, and group projects. The number of points awarded for these is as follows.

Class participation 20 points
Test 1 30 points
Test 2 30 points
Test 3 30 points
Projects 30 points
Final exam 60 points
Total 200 points
       
Points earnedGrade
180-200 A
160-179 B
140-159 C
120-139 D
0-119 F

Class attendance is necessary for learning and expected. In addition to new material and lots of problem solving practice, important course information such as homework and project assignments will be given, homework will be discussed, project groups will be formed, and sometimes handouts will be distributed in class.

Participation: Active participation in the classroom activities and discussions is necessary for learning and expected from everybody. You will often be asked to work either individually or in groups, to read and explain mathematical concepts, and to find solutions to mathematical problems and present solutions to the rest of the class. You should keep all the handouts given in class and maintain a notebook for the class. You will be writing class notes, reflections on assigned topics, and solve assigned problems in this notebook. You will be presenting homework problem solutions and critiquing your classmates' solutions. Everybody will get a few opportunities throughout the semester to play each of these roles. Active participation means paying attention and being 100% involved in the classroom activities, and not allowing any distractions (see more on this below).

Expectations for Zoom meetings: In short, my expections for Zoom class meetings are the same as for regular classes on campus. Connect in advance to avoid being late. The class will start on time. Please turn your camera on, however, feel free to use a virtual background. No recording or taking pictures/screenshots are allowed during class unless stated otherwise. Find as quiet spot as possible and do your best to avoid distractions. Request that your family members do not disturb you during class time. Stay on task the whole time, until the end of the class. Please put away any phones and other distracting gadgets. Take notes. No texting, etc. during class. Mute yourself when you are not talking. However, questions addressed to the instructor are welcome at any time during class (you can unmute yourself and ask with voice, or use chat - it's up to you). I will frequently ask if there are any questions, but if needed, you may ask for a clarification at other times as well.

Homework: There will be homework assigned each class. Sometimes it will include a reading assignment, and most often it will include a couple of problems that you have to solve (or finish solving if the problems were started in class, or write down a few solutions if alternate approaches were discussed/presented in class). Homework is meant as valuable practice and will prepare you for the tests. You MUST do your homework in order to succeed in this class. Solutions to assigned problems will not be graded, however, you are welcome and encouraged to show your solutions to the instructor either during office hours or by turning them in before/after class, and the instructor will give you feedback. For the reading assignment, be ready to discuss it in class.

Exams: There will be three tests (1 hour long each) and one final comprehensive exam (2 hours long). You are required to have your camera turned on for all exams. See schedule for exam dates. If for any reason you can not take a test at the scheduled time, please let me know as soon as possible, and certainly before the test.

Projects: There will also be 3 projects to complete during the semester. Some parts of projects will be completed in groups, and other parts individually.

Extra Help: It is essential not to fall behind, because many class meetings and assignments will use the material learned previously. If you have trouble with some material, seek help in the following ways:

If you are having any difficulties, seek help immediately - don't wait until it is too late to recover from falling behind, or failing to understand a concept!

Computers: At California State University, Fresno, computers and communications links to remote resources are recognized as being integral to the education and research experience. Every student is required to have his/her own computer or have other personal access to a workstation (including a modem and a printer) with all the recommended software. The minimum and recommended standards for the workstations and software, which may vary by academic major, are updated periodically and are available from Information Technology ServicesĀ or the Universit Bookstore. In the curriculum and class assignments, students are presumed to have 24-hour access to a computer workstation and the necessary communication links to the University's information resources.

Students with disabilities: upon identifying themselves to the University, students with disabilities will receive necessary accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, see http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/ssd/

Academic honesty: cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class. For information on the University's policy, see the University Catalog (section Policies and Regulations).

Honor Code: Members of the CSU Fresno academic community adhere to principles of academic integrity and mutual respect while engaged in university work and related activities. You should:

Disruptive Classroom Behavior: student conduct which disrupts the learning process will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class. In particular, the following are prohibited: reading of outside materials, writing not related to this class, talking during lecture or a classmate's presentation, conversations on topics not related to this class, use of cell phones in the classroom. Calculators, internet, and any technology other than Zoom are not needed in this class. All cell phones must be turned off during class. Also, students are expected to be attentive for the whole duration of the class period, until the class is dismissed. Closing books/notebooks and packing materials during class time is disruptive.

Copyright policy: Copyright laws and fair use policies protect the rights of those who have produced the material. The copy in this course has been provided for private study, scholarship, or research. Other uses may require permission from the copyright holder. The user of this work is responsible for adhering to copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, U.S. Code). Digital Campus course web sites contains material protected by copyrights held by the instructor, other individuals or institutions. Such material is used for educational purposes in accord with copyright law and/or with permission given by the owners of the original material. You may download one copy of the materials on any single computer for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes only, provided that you (1) do not modify it, (2) use it only for the duration of this course, and (3) include both this notice and any copyright notice originally included with the material. Beyond this use, no material from the course web site may be copied, reproduced, re-published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way without the permission of the original copyright holder. The instructor assumes no responsibility for individuals who improperly use copyrighted material placed on the web site.

Subject to Change: This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while you were absent.

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This page was last revised on 1/21/21.

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