Elementary Geometry

Math 301 Fall 2002

Instructor: Dr. V Huse Home: (903)586-3748.
Office (903)875-7646

Office Hours: Monday 2:30-4:30, Tuesday 1:30- 4:30

If you can't reach me, leave a message on my voice mail OR better yet, send me an e-mail:
huseve@yahoo.com or Vanessa_Huse@TAMU-Commerce.edu

Text: Elementary Geometry, by Gustafson/ Frisk - Wiley Publications
Exploring Geometry, Bennett - Key Curriculum Press

Necessary Materials: A calculator - graphing is better

Course Content: We will cover 12 chapters in the Elementary Geometry text.

The beginning teacher of mathematics should know and understand:

1. how to use spatial reasoning to investigate concepts such as directions, orientation, perspective, shape and structure;
2. the use of mathematical reasoning to develop, generalize, justify and prove geometric relationships;
3. connections among geometric ideas and number concepts, measurement, probability and statistics, algebra and analysis;
4. measurements as a process;
5. methods of approximation and estimation and the effect of errors on measurement;
6. how to use measurement to collect data, to recognize relationships, and to develop generalizations, including formulas;
7. how to locate, develop, and solve real-world problems using measurement and geometry concepts;
8. how to explore geometry for synthetic, coordinate, and transformational approaches;
9. logical reasoning, justification and proof in relation to the axiomatic structure of geometry ;
10. how geometry, spatial reasoning and measurement concepts and principles are developmental
and connected across grade levels.

When you complete this course, you will be able to:

1. develop, justify and perform geometric constructions using compass, straight-edge and reflection devices
and other appropriate technology;
2. investigate and prove geometric relationships within the axiomatic structure of Euclidean geometry;
3. analyze and solve problems involving one, two and three dimensional objects such as lines, angles,
circles, triangles, poygons, cylinders, prisms, and spheres;
4. analyze the relationship among three dimensional figures and related two dimensional representations
and use these representation to solve problems.
5. apply measurement concepts and dimensional analysis to derive units and formulas for a variety of situations
including rates of change of one variable with respect to another
6. use symmetry to describe tesselations and show how they can be used to illustrate concepts, properties
and relationships
7. relate geometry to algebra and trigonometry by using the Cartesian coordinate system and use this relationship
to solve problems
8. use calculus concepts to answer questions about rates of change, areas, volumes and properties of functions
and their graphs.

The goal of this course is to develop understanding of the mathematics. We are constantly going to be dealing with WHY
more than HOW. As a future teacher you must be able to explain mathematics to your students, not just show them how
to carry out mathematical procedures. We will focus on underlying structures and development of ideas. In addition,
problem solving is a major component of this course. As a future mathematics teacher (ALL elementary
school teachers are mathematics teachers!!), you need to become familiar with and skilled in various types
of problem solving techniques that are commonly used in mathematical thinking.

Course Grading: Will be based on a Research Project, 3 In-class Exams, computer lessons and a Comprehensive Final
Exam. In order to successfully mathematically prepare today's children for the technological world they face, an
elementary school teacher must have a solid understanding of a broad spectrum of mathematics, including mathematics
at a level considerably beyond the grade he/she teaches.

Research Project - 14%
Exam 1 - 14%
Exam 2 - 14%
Exam 3 - 14%
Computer Lessons-14%
Final - 30%

Attendance: Attendance is strongly encouraged for your own benefit. Any work missed due to your absence is your
responsibility and should be made up as soon as possible. If you should miss a lecture, you should get a copy of
someone's notes and then I will answer any questions you have over those notes. You will be dropped from the class
if you have excessive absences.

Make-ups: The opportunity to take a make-up exam can only be expected if you contact the instructor either on or
before the day of an exam, make reasonable arrangements at that time, and have an excused absence.

Cheating: Cheating of any kind will result is an F for the term. All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets
of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. ( See Student's
Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct)

Students requesting accommodations for disabilities must go through the Academic Support Committee.
For more information, please contact the Director of Disability Resources and Services, Halladay Student
Services Bldg., Room 303D, 903-886-5835.