The course focuses on the mathematical content of the middle grades. MthT 465 Teaching Algebra for Understanding Manipulatives and other representations of mathematical concepts, such as function machines and number lines, are used to develop an approach to the teaching of algebra which is particularly suited to middle grade students. MthT 550 Concepts Elementary School Mathematics II Continuation of Developing Concepts and Methods in Elementary School Mathematics I. Units of measurement, decimal and common fractions, function machines, number lines, calculators and their role in the classroom, geometric shapes, text books, addition of quantities and fractions, and descriptive statistics are examined. An Activity Approach Topics in geometry suitable for the elementary school curriculum are covered. These include informal geometry using manipulatives, elementary topology, polygons, polyhedra, metric geometry, motion geometry, geometric constructions, spherical geometry, and an introduction to research on the teaching of geometry.
Emphasis is on hands-on activities and the active involvement of students.
Students identify a problem in mathematics education in their home school, survey resources, plan for solution, and develop and present a curriculum. Supervised weekly seminars. Length, area, volume, mass, and time are studied in experiments using a simplified version of the scientific method. Bar and line graphing, linear functions, prediction, estimation, alertness to the reasonableness of results, and manipulation and analysis of acquired data are emphasized. Issues of implementation and management of hands-on math and science programs are discussed.