ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT FLORISSANT VALLEY

COURSE OF STUDY

MTH:165

DEPARTMENT: Mathematics LAST UPDATE: Summer 2006

COURSE TITLE: Structures of Mathematical Systems I CREDIT HOURS: 4

LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 4 LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 0

During the first week of the semester, it is the responsibility of each instructor to furnish, in writing, the course objectives and a course syllabus. The objectives are stated below. The syllabus should include instructor information, course information, expected outcomes, course requirements, method of evaluation and an explanation of grading policies, policies on make up work, ground rules for class participation, a tentative class schedule. Withdrawal dates, expected classroom behavior, information on the math learning center, consultation (office) hours, and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations statement.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed for those students who are interested in teaching elementary school. The NCTM Standards state that “prospective teachers be taught in a manner similar to how they are to teach.” Thus, this course should develop the teaching process as well as addressing the mathematical topics of the course. Topics include: Mathematical reasoning; set operations; operations on whole numbers; integers; and rational numbers; number theory; and decimals and percents.

COURSE PREREQUISITE:

MTH: 160 with a grade of “C” or better, or satisfactory score on placement test.

TEXT and CALCULATOR REQUIREMENTS:

Long, Calvin T., and Duane W. De Temple. Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers. (Fourth Edition) Addison Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 2006.

The use of a TI -73 is required of every student in this course.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:

1) Instructor’s Guide

2) Student Guide

3) Printed Test Bank

4) Activities for Elementary Mathematics Teacher (fifth edition). Dolan, Williamson, Muri

5) Instructor’s Solutions Manual

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The student will…

1. learn problem solving processes and strategies.

2. become familiar with set notation and Venn diagrams.

3. learn properties of and operations on real numbers..

4. learn the divisibility properties of composite numbers..

5. be able to work with fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios and proportions.

6. become familiar with various mathematical manipulatives such as cuisenarire rods, two color counters, and base-ten blocks.

ANCILLARY MATERIAL:

A supply of various types of manipulatives is available in the department.

COURSE OUTLINE:

		Suggested Time Allotment
Chapter	Topics and Sections	(Number of 75 min. periods)
Chapter 1	Thinking Critically	4
	1.1. through 1.6
Chapter 2	Sets, Whole Numbers, Functions	4
	2.1 through 2.5
Chapter 3	Numeration and Computation	4
	3.1 through 3.6
Chapter 4	Number Theory	3
	4.1 through 4.4
Chapter 5	Integers	2
	5.1 through 5.3
Chapter 6	Fractions and Rational Numbers	4
	6.1 through 6.3
Chapter 7	Decimals and Real Numbers	4
	7.1 through 7.4
Test and Review		5
		TOTAL: 30

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

1) It is important to teach in a highly participatory manner using groups and manipulatives, i.e. in the desired manner in which these future teachers will teach.

2) The development of problem solving skills should be given considerable time, effort, and attention.

3) Calculator use should be carefully integrated into the course in a way that will help reinforce important concepts. This is strongly encouraged but implemented at instructor’s discretion.