Mathematics for Teachers I (Fundamentals of Mathematics I )

Class
This course is designed for elementary and middle school education majors, but is open to all students. This course is intended to build or reinforce a foundation in fundamental mathematics concepts and skills. It includes the conceptual development of the following: sets, functions, numeration systems, number theory, and properties of the various number systems with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Emphasis is placed on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, and the College and Career Readiness Standards for the elementary and middle school levels. Exercises are designed to allow students to demonstrate their reasoning ability to solve problems using a problem solving approach. Also, the students develop conceptual understanding through using math manipulatives.

Competencies

  1. Explain and model the arithmetic operations for whole numbers and integers., a student should be able to:
    1. Discuss place value in base 10.
    2. Perform operations using base ten.
    3. Perform operations using different units of measure.
    4. Use base ten blocks to do calculations.
    5. Use estimation for whole-number addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
    6. Use algorithms for whole-number addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
    7. Use the number line model, charged field model, and two-color counters to add, subtract, and multiply integers.
    8. Use the order of operations to simplify expressions.
  2. Explain and model computations with fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages, the student should be able to:
    1. Classify numbers as members of the subsets of the Real Numbers.
    2. Perform the four basic operations with rational numbers.
    3. Use proportional reasoning to solve problems.
    4. Determine if a decimal is rational or irrational.
    5. Convert decimals to fractional form.
    6. Convert fractions to decimal form.
    7. Perform the four basic operations with decimals.
    8. Use percents to solve problems.
  3. Describe and demonstrate how factors, multiples, and prime numbers are used to solve problems.
    1. Determine if a number is prime or composite by using the rules for divisibility.
    2. Use the intersection of sets method, prime factorization method, and the Euclidean algorithm to find the greatest common divisor and least common multiple of numbers.
    3. Solve problems by using the rules of divisibility.
    4. Use Cuisenaire rods to determine least common multiples.
  4. Apply problem-solving skills to numerical applications. the student should be able to:
    1. Recognize patterns.
    2. Determine if a series is arithmetic, geometric or neither.
    3. Use arithmetic and geometric formulas to solve problems.
    4. Use the four-step problem-solving process.
  5. Represent and describe relationships among sets using the appropriate mathematical terminology and notation. a student should be able to:
    1. Determine if a set is well defined.
    2. Use set-builder notation to describe sets.
    3. Use Venn Diagrams to illustrate set relationships.
    4. Find unions and intersections of sets.
  6. Compare and contrast structures of numeration systems. a student should be able to:
    1. Discuss the similarities and differences between the base ten-numeration system and other numeration systems such as, but not limited to, the Babylonian system, Egyptian system, Mayan system, and the Roman system.
    2. Discuss place value using other bases.
    3. Perform operations using different bases.
    4. Perform basic operations in other numeration systems.
    5. Compare symbols for numbers in different numeration systems.

Campus Resources for Students

Weatherford:
The Academic Support Center is a free public tutoring service provided by the college, offered in LART-LL Room 2, 817-598-6278

Video tapes

Computer assisted instruction

Instructor’s office hours

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  1. Explain and model the arithmetic operations for whole numbers and integers.
  2. Explain and model computations with fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages.
  3. Describe and demonstrate how factors, multiples, and prime numbers are used to solve problems.
  4. Apply problem-solving skills to numerical applications.
  5. Represent and describe relationships among sets using the appropriate mathematical terminology and notation.
  6. Compare and contrast structures of numeration systems.
Lab Fee
$24
Required Textbooks
A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, 13th Ed., Billstein, Libeskind, and Lott, Addison Wesley/Benjamin Cummings (Pearson) 2019 ISBN-0321987292; Mathematics Activities Manual (Pearson)

Required Supplies

MyLabsPlus access code and scientific calculator. No graphing calculators permitted. Additional school supplies as instructed by the individual instructor.
ISBN-10
0321977084
Evaluation Standards

These course learning outcomes and course competencies will be assessed through the administration of at least 2 in class exams (50%), quizzes, homework (10%), activities (10%), projects (10%), and comprehensive final exam (20%).

Only departmental formula sheets supplied by the instructor will be used on the exams and the final exam.

Notes, textbooks, note cards, formula sheets, or any other additional materials will NOT be approve for use on exams. Any use will be an academic integrity violation.

Grading Standards

A - Student’s work is exceptional and consistently above average.
B - Student’s work is above average. Required assignments were completed in a timely manner and have met at least the minimum required standards.
C - Student’s work is acceptable. Majority of assignments meet the minimum required standards.
D - Student’s work fails to meet the minimum requirements for a grade of "C." Overall performance was sub-standard in comparison to normal expectations for this class.
F - Student’s work is clearly unacceptable. Student either did not attempt the work or failed to meet any of the minimum required standards.

Required Institutional Core Learning Outcomes

Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Empirical & Quantitative Reasoning (EQR)

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Grading Key

100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
59-below = F

Revised
Fall 2021
Last Modified
Friday, September 10, 2021, 3:29 PM