Basic Concepts of Geometry, Probability and Descriptive Statistics
MATH 310, Fall 2008
Professor Kellie Evans
Office Hours: TTH 2:15-3:45, Santa Susana Hall 432
 
Math Tutoring Center Hours (SH 274): TBA

Homework Assignments

#1 due Tues., Sept. 2 1.1 1-5 pg. 5 of text;   pg 6 of text
1.2  1-8 pg. 10 of text;   pg 11 of text
1.3  1-4, 6-10 pg. 16 of text;   pg 17 of text
#2 due Tues., Sept. 9 1.4  1, 2, 8 1.4, I; 1.4, II
2.1  1, 2, 8-14 Chapter 2 of text
2.2  3-7

 
Catalog Description Prerequisites: A passing score on or exemption from the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Examination or credit in MATH 094, or credit in both 094A and 094B, and completion of MATH 210 with a grade of "C" or better. An articulated course from another college equivalent to MATH 210 will only satisfy the course prerequisite for MATH 310. Students passing such a course with a "C" or better will still need to fulfill the ELM requirement. A second course for students intending to teach in elementary or junior high school. Geometry as a system; congruence and similarity through construction with straightedge and compass; transformational geometry; the nature of measurement, precision, and accuracy; basic principles of probability and statistics. Not available for credit toward the major or minor in Mathematics.
Textbook Elementary Geometry for Teachers, by Thomas H. Parker and Scott J. Baldridge, published by Sefton-Ash Publishing, USA, 2008. We will also use the accompanying Primary Mathematics Textbooks 4A, 5A, 3B, 5B, 6B, and New Elementary Textbook 1,. (This set of books is known as Elementary Geometry for Teachers Complete Package.)
Websites General Math 310 information, including a link to a set of practice problems for the final exam, is on the website www.csun.edu/math/programs/310.html .
Calculators and Required Materials Scientific calculators may be used in class and on homework assignments. However, calculators may not be used on exams. You are encouraged to exercise your mind by doing calculations in your head (and on paper, without the use of technology) as often as possible. You must purchase a compass, protractor, and ruler. A mira may also be helpful.
Important Dates Exams will be given on September 25, October 23, and November 25. The cumulative final exam will be given on Saturday, December 13, 2008, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., location TBA. NO makeup exams will be given.
Course Outline Chapter 1, Learning to Measure
Chapter 2, Geometric Figures
Chapter 3, Finding Unknown Angles
Chapter 4, Deductive Geometry
Chapter 5, Area
Chapter 6, Pythagorean Theorem with Applications
Chapter 7, Similarity
Chapter 8, Area Concepts and Circles
Chapter 9, Volume and Surface Area
Chapter 10, Probability and Statistics
Course Objectives Our goal is to prepare students to become successful in teaching elementary and middle school mathematics. To that end, we aim to help students:
  • acquire a deeper understanding of the basic concepts of geometry and descriptive statistics needed to teach in the elementary and middle schools.
  • improve their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • expand their enthusiasm for learning and teaching mathematics.
  • become more skilled in explaining mathematics to others and in engaging others to learn mathematics.
  • learn to assess what mathematics others understand.
  • respond effectively to mathematics questions posed by others.
Techniques Used to Obtain Course Objectives Interactive lectures will be used to present new material. In-class individual work, group work, problem solving, and class discussions will take place and short quizzes will be given regularly. Homework will be assigned and collected each week. You are expected to actively participate in this course - doing all assigned problems, asking questions, explaining your ideas to the class, listening to and responding to the ideas of others, and presenting homework hints and problem solutions. That is, you will practice skills you will need as a teacher in order to help your students to learn. Working in groups outside of class is encouraged.
Attendance and Homework
Policy		 Class attendance is mandatory. It is difficult to catch up if you fall behind and statistics from previous semesters show that students who miss class on a regular basis are extremely unlikely to pass. Homework assignments will be due each week. You are encouraged to work in groups outside of class, but you must write up all assignments in your own words. Late work is highly discouraged and drastically marked down according to the formula below, WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.
LATE SCORE = x/n,
where x = lowest score given on assignment and n = number of days late.
No feedback will be given on late work.
Grading Policy Your course grade will be based on exams, homework, quizzes and in-class work. These are weighted as follows:
  • Exams (3) 20% each
  • Cumulative final exam 25%
  • Homework, quizzes and in-class work 15%

Course grades will be assigned as follows:

90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
59% or below F

Cutoffs for plus and minus grades will be determined at the end of the semester.
Tips For Success Tips on how to succeed in this course.
This information is subject to revision.

Solutions to exams from Spring 2008

Solutions to Sample Final

Solutions to Exam 1, Spring 2008

Solutions to Exam 2, Spring 2008

Solutions to Exam 3, Spring 2008


Related LINKS

The van Hiele Levels of Geometric Understanding, by Marguerite Mason

Introducing van Hiele Levels
 

return to main page