Fall 2004 Math 105 Concepts in Mathematics

Fall 2004 Math 105 Concepts in Mathematics, Probability, and Statistics

Section 3 MWF 12:30-13:20 MH 424

Professor Brad Jackson MH 316 Phone: 924-5129

Webpage: http://www.math.sjsu.edu/~jackson

SJSU Drop Policy: Students in Math 105 may drop for any reason up to Tues. Sept. 14. After that documentation may be required giving the circumstances why you are forced to drop the course (besides having a poor grade) and you will receive a W grade. The last day to add is Tues. Sept. 21.

Office Hours: MWF 11:30-12:30 MW 16:30-17:30 (or by appointment)

Learning is best accomplished in an interactive environment so students are encouraged to attend Professor Jackson's office hours when they have questions. You are also encouraged to ask questions in class at any time or submit questions by phone or email. Feedback from your fellow students is also helpful for many so students are encouraged to work together in groups on any of the homework assignments.

Prerequisite: Satisfaction of the ELM requirement and Math 12 with a grade of C- or better. Two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry.

Textbook: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers by Musser, Burger, Peterson, 6^th edition, Wiley and Sons, chapters 1.1-1.2,2.1,2.4,4.1,7.3,7.4,9.2,9.3,10.1-10.3,11.1-11.4,13.1,15.1,15.2.

Goals of the Course: Math 105 is the second course in a three-course sequence designed for prospective K-12 teachers of mathematics. We will learn about problem solving, functions, graphing, equations, algebra, ratio and proportion, percent, estimation, units, probability and statistics and how they can be used in the teaching of mathematics. In addition, we will learn about some uses of technology in the teaching of mathematics, including spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), and scientific and graphing calculators (TI-83 or better). We will also learn about the uses of recreational mathematics (puzzles and games) in motivating the learning of mathematics.

Grading: Students are responsible for turning in homework assignments (problems from the book) roughly every 2 weeks. You can do the homework online (or you can turn in a hard copy if you prefer) at.http://egrade.wiley.com/live/classes/jacksonb/. You will need an access code (it should be included with a new book or you can obtain one online for $30). Online homework assignments can be repeated to improve your grade. Each assignment is worth 10 points. Occasional extra credit assignments are also given. Students are also responsible for various in-class group activities (3 points each), some related to technology and some related to mathematical ideas supplementing the material in the book. Students will also be responsible for 3 1-page writing projects (10 points each) in which you will be asked to prepare a lesson plan related to the material that we are covering. Three quizzes (20 points each) and three midterms (60 points each) will be given in class roughly every 2-3 weeks. Quizzes will be given in the last 25 minutes of class and midterms will last for an entire 50 minute class. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the semester. It will last for 2 ¼ hours and be worth 100 points.

Your overall grade will determined as follows:

7 HW assignments 70 points

In-class activities 30+ points

3 in-class quizzes 60 points

3 midterms 180 points

3 writing projects 30 points

1 comprehensive final 110 points

Total 480 points

Homework: Many practice problems from each section are given. Each student is expected to spend roughly 6 hours weekly (outside of class) reading the book and working on homework assignments. In addition, 7 homework assignments will be turned in, 10 points each (plus extra credit problems). I have also set it up so that homework can be done online. If you prefer not to do your homework online let me know and I can print out the homework assignment for you to work on. Late homework assignments are not accepted. Students are encouraged to use a calculator and/or a computer while working on their homework. Professor Jackson will occasionally demonstrate the use of various TI calculators in class. It is highly recommended that each student have a (TI-83 or better) calculator available for homework, quizzes, and exams. Homework assignments can be done individually or in a group however each student should write up their own work.

In-class Activities: In-class activities will be scheduled roughly once a week (except for exam weeks). Each activity counts as 3 points, for a total of 30+ points.

Quizzes and Exams: Roughly every 2-3 weeks there will be either a quiz or a midterm. Make ups for quizzes and exams are permitted only if you inform me of an acceptable reason in a timely manner (before the quiz or midterm takes place). There will be 3 quizzes each worth 20 points, for a total of 60 points. There will be two midterms each worth 60 points, for a total of 180 points. Usually one page of notes and a calculator is allowed for each midterm. Cheating is a serious offense so don’t even think about it. Cheating on any assignment, quiz, or exam is not acceptable. Any student caught cheating will receive a 0 for that work. In addition, disciplinary action will be taken. There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of the course (Tuesday Dec. 14, 12:15-14:30).

Professor Jackson is the Faculty Supervisor of the Spartan Juggling Club and encourages any interested students to participate. Equipment is provided and lessons are given for students wanting them. The Juggling Club meets every Wednesday at 2:30 on the field near MacQuarrie Hall.