Course Syllabus
Course: MATH 2020
Division: Natural Science and MathDepartment: Mathematics
Title: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
Semester Approved: Fall 2020
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
End Semester: Spring 2026
Catalog Description: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II is part of a series of courses designed to improve the mathematical understanding of prospective elementary teachers. Concepts covered include basic statistics, probability, properties of geometric shapes, measurement using English and Metric systems, geometry using triangle congruence (including constructions), and geometry using transformations. The course will combine a thorough treatment of mathematical concepts with pedagogical philosophy to help prospective teachers learn to teach mathematics with understanding and insight.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: MATH 1050 with a C or better.
Justification: All elementary education programs require mathematical competency of students prior to student teaching. The series of Math for Elementary Education Courses helps students arrive at that competency. This or a similar Math for Elementary Education series is required at most four-year public institutions in Utah.
Student Learning Outcomes:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the statistical tools needed to describe data (mean, median, mode, range, IQR, MAD, etc.) and correctly compute them for a suitable data set. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will be able to make appropriate visual displays (graphs/charts) for a given data set. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of probability and use them to solve problems. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of English and Metric measurement systems and will be able to perform conversions (length, area, volume, mass, temperature) within each system. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of principles and properties of geometric shapes, including analyzing two-dimensional shapes (including computing perimeter and area) and three-dimensional shapes (including computing surface area and volume). This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of techniques of problem-solving in geometry and solve many types of problems. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of principles and properties of geometry based on triangle congruence and use them to solve problems. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of principles and properties of geometric transformations and use them to solve problems. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
Content:
•Introduction to statistics
•Introduction to probability including simulation, expected value, odds, and conditional probability
•Analyzing geometric shapes, including angles, polygons, and three-dimensional shapes
•Measurement using English and Metric systems including length, area, surface area, and volume
•Geometry using triangle congruence including constructions
•Geometry using transformations
As appropriate, technology (Geometer's Sketchpad, Geogebra, or the like) will be used to enhance student understanding.
Key Performance Indicators:
Student learning will be evaluated primarily through daily assignments and periodic examinations. Mastery of the learning outcomes may also be evaluated by quizzes and participation in group activities.
The final grade will be computed based on mastery of the learning outcomes as assessed by exams (chapter/midterms and final), homework, classroom participation, and other related activities.
Homework 5 to 25%
Quizzes 0 to 20%
Periodic Exams 20 to 70%
Final Exam 15 to 35%
Oral/Written Projects 0 to 20%
Class Group Activities 0 to 15%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Musser, Burger, and Peterson, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: A Contemporary Approach, current edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Billstein, Libeskind, and Lott, A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, current edition, Addison Wesley.
Pedagogy Statement:
Course content will be taught through readings, activities, lecture, and class discussion.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 32
Optimum Class Size: 24