Mathematical Tools and Structures

Catalog description

This course is designed to coordinate, connect and extend the mathematical experiences of the student who is preparing to teach mathematics in the middle school. Specific course content will include all of the following: an in-depth overview of problem solving and the nature of proof in mathematics and the mathematics classroom; history of the development of mathematics; a variety of mathematical topics such as algebraic structures, discrete mathematics, fractals and chaos, etc.; examination and exploration of mathematical topics that are appropriate and necessary for middle school students to ensure their efficient transition into secondary mathematics. A constant awareness of the use and impact of technology upon the mathematician and the mathematics classroom is explored and integrated throughout the course. The course experience is culminated in the final project, which will be an original, independent investigating of some relevant mathematical topic of interest to the student. This course cannot be used as a mathematics elective for the mathematics major or minor. Prerequisite: MTH 343 or MTH 360 . Recommended Prerequisite: 15 hours of elementary or middle school mathematics.