Instructor: Dr. Leona Mirza

Office: Carlson Tower 64D

Telephone: office: (773)244-5731

Demonstrates knowledge of the content and concepts of mathematics for grades K-8.

          Develops problem solving and critical thinking abilities.

          Explains alternate algorithms for the basic operations.

          Uses tools such as calculators and computers for problem solving.

          Uses a computer suitable for classroom activities.

Communicates mathematically using the skills of reading, writing and speaking.

Text: Musser, Gary L. and Burger, William F., Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, Fifth edition. Prentice-Hall Publishing Co., 1999.

Class Meetings: We will meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm. Exceptions are noted in the schedule.

Course Requirements:

Problems will be assigned as we discuss each section. You should work on these outside of class (preferably with a friend) and ask whatever questions you have at class time. The test questions will come from the homework problems.

Use the Geometer’s Sketchpad program that is in the education department to answer questions about triangles. The question sheets will be handed out in class when I demonstrate how to use the program.

You will be expected to present a chapter of the text to the class. Be able to present the material and discuss the problems.

Create three tessellations: one using a triangle, one using a square, and one using a hexagon. The directions will be handed out in class. Explain to us how you created them.

Do a string art design. Directions will be handed out in class.

For each chapter of the text write a solution to one of the assigned problems. The problem is to be written in Microsoft Word (PC version only) using the equation editor or including a graphic. The problem needs to be handed in on a disk by each Wednesday class of the week that we are studying the chapter. Name the file with the chapter number page number and problem number; i.e. chapter 1 page 13 problem 1 would be named Ch1131.

There will be five tests and a final exam. The tests will be given on Friday, Sept. 17, Friday, Oct. 8, Friday, Oct. 29, Friday, Nov. 19, and Friday, Dec. 10. Tests need to be taken on the scheduled date unless you are on a school sponsored trip. If so, then you need to take the test before your leave. There are no make-up tests. The final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. You may take the final exam at this regularly scheduled time or you may take the exam at any other time that I am giving a final exam, which will be Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m.

Grades
	1092+ = A;	1080-1091 = A-
1068-1079 = B+	972-1067 = B	960 - 971 = B-
948 - 959 = C+	852-947 = C	840-851 = C-
828-839 = D+	732-827 = D	720-731 = D-
	0-719 = F

 
Topics and reading assignments:

Presentations