Course Description
A deep examination of mathematical topics designed for future elementary school teachers. The meaning of addition, multiplication, and division. Adding, multiplying and dividing whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Ratio and proportion.
Athena Title
Arithmetic Elem School Teacher
Prerequisite
MATH 2002
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
To strengthen and deepen knowledge and understanding of arithmetic, how it is used to solve a wide variety of problems, and how it leads to algebra. In particular, to strengthen the understanding of and the ability to explain why various procedures from arithmetic work. To strengthen the ability to communicate clearly about mathematics, both orally and in writing. To promote the exploration and explanation of mathematical phenomena. To show that many problems can be solved in a variety of ways. To pose and modify problems.
Topical Outline
CHAPTERS REFER TO THE TEXTBOOK Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, 3rd edition, by Sybilla Beckmann, Pearson. 1. Addition and subtraction: the meaning of addition and subtraction, properties of addition, algorithms, adding and subtracting fractions, the importance of the whole, recognizing and writing story problems for fraction addition and subtraction, mixed numbers and negative numbers. (Chapter 3) 2. Multiplication: the meaning of multiplication and types of problems solved by multiplication, ways of interpreting multiplication, understanding commutative, associative, and distributive properties, the connection between mental arithmetic and algebra. (Chapter 4) 3. Multiplication of fractions, decimals, and negative numbers. Understanding multiplication of fractions and decimals, story problems. (Chapter 5) 4. Division: the two interpretations ("how many groups?" and "how many in each group?"), division with remainder, the scaffold method of division, decimal representations of fractions, division of fractions and decimals, story problems for fraction division. (Chapter 6) 5. Ratio and proportion: meanings of ratio, rate, and proportion, solving ratio and rate problems using only multiplication, division, and logical thinking with the aid of strip diagrams and ratio tables. (Chapter 7)
Syllabus