Courses Taught at Plymouth State University:

MG 5860 (3cr)	Pre-Calculus for Middle School& Secondary Teachers	This course will focus on different methods of using algebra, trigonometry, and geometry for solving analytical problems. Participants will be involved in group work using activities and investigations that can be easily adapted to a regular middle or high school class. Graphing calculators (TI-83 or TI-84) will be used to explore functions.
MG 5860 (3cr)	Using Technology in Middle School Mathematics	Effective teaching of mathematics requires appropriate pedagogical and mathematical foundations. This course is designed to introduce participants to technology and its possible uses in the middle school mathematics classroom. This course will work with some the following technological tools, based on demand and the experience(s) of the students in the class: The TI-84 Graphics calculator (will definitely be done) The Geometer's Sketchpad Tinkerplots Statistical Software Microsoft Excel (with or without the statistics package) Microsoft Power Point World Wide Web/Internet software Participants also will have the opportunity to learn about technology, design lessons that use it, conduct a formative evaluation of technology-based lessons and investigate and solve mathematical problems with technology. Specific and appropriate mathematical content (algebra, geometry, precalculus, probability, statistics, etc.) will be used and discussed.
MG 5740 (2cr)	Developing Mathematical Ideas: Measuring Space in One, Two, and Three Dimensions	Participants examine different attributes of size, develop facility in composing and decomposing shapes, and apply these skills to make sense of formulas for area and volume. They also explore conceptual issues of length, area, and volume, as well as their complex inter-relationships.
MG 5720 (3cr)	Number Systems and Number Theory	Topics for the course will include a study of the real number system and its subsystems such as whole numbers, integers and rational numbers. Properties of those sets under various operations will be investigated and algebraic structures such as groups and fields will be examined. Participants will use models to explore relationships among fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions. Estimation strategies and computation techniques to judge the reasonableness of results and to approximate solutions will be examined. Topics will also include ideas from number theory such as the GCF, LCM, prime numbers, perfect, abundant, and deficient numbers, the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, and more. Topics relating to proportional reasoning, limits and infinity will also be explored.
MG 5010 (3cr)	Topics in Pre-Calculus for Middle School Teachers	This course will explore the concept of functions; including linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Selected topics from algebra, trigonometry and analytic geometry will be considered. Graphing calculators will be used throughout the course.
MA 4910 (1cr)	“Let’s be Graphic”, Graphing in the Rectangular Coordinate System	Independent Study
MA 4910 (1cr)	“What are your chances?” Theoretical and Experimental Probability	Independent Study
MA 3070 (3 cr)	Knowing and Teaching Mathematics	Continues discovering the mathematical concept and pedagogical skills needed to become a successful teacher of mathematics in grades K-6. Actively involved in exploring how children learn mathematics and how to guide them in their learning of mathematics. Discusses content, methods, curriculum, assessment, national and state standards and grade level expectations and appropriate technology use in the classroom.
MA 3040 (1 cr)	Mathematics Laboratory Activities II	The second of two courses modeling many of the concepts of school mathematics using activities involving Miras, Algeblocks, Geoboards, Tangrams, Calculator-Based Rangers and graphing calculators. Other activities explore functions, e.g., recursion or rate of change, a variety of two and three dimensional geometric concepts, including area and volume measurement, plus some probability and statistics.
MA 3030 (1cr)	Mathematics Laboratory Activities I	The first of two courses modeling many of the concepts of school mathematics using activities involving Base 10 Blocks, Fraction Bars, Cuisenaire Rods, Algeblocks, Decimal Squares, Attribute Blocks and paper folding. Other activities explore relationships among problem solving and generalizing patterns, or various number sets and algebra.
MA 3020 (4cr)	Geometry, Measurement, Data and Chance	An integrated approach to the study of mathematics concepts that builds upon the foundation developed in MA 3010. Through activity-based learning, problem-solving, cooperative learning, the use of technology and communication, students investigate the integers, three-dimensional shape and measurement, transformation and spatial visualization and selected topics in algebra, probability and statistics.
MA 3010 (4cr)	Mathematics in Our World II	An integrated approach to the study of mathematics for those pursuing majors in Childhood Studies or Early Childhood Studies. Through activity-based learning, problem-solving, cooperative learning, the use of technology and communication, students study mathematics foundational to teaching mathematics at the K-8 level including topics from the real number system with an emphasis on the rational numbers, two-dimensional geometry and measurement, and selected topics in algebra, probability and statistics. Students are asked to reason inductively, deductively and by using analogies. Students solve problems which require creative thought and not just regurgitation or application of ideas.
MA 2140 (4cr)	Elementary Functions	With the concept of function as a central theme, considers selected topics from algebra, trigonometry and analytic geometry, including complex numbers and DeMoivre's Theorem. Graphing calculators are required and used throughout the course.
MA 2110 (4cr)	Mathematics in Our World I	A mathematics course for those pursuing majors in Childhood Studies or Early Childhood Studies. The instruction format emphasizes activity-based learning, problem-solving, cooperative learning and communication. Students study mathematics foundational to teaching mathematics at the K-8 level including topics from number, geometry and measurement, probability and statistics, and algebra.

Barbara Boschmans

Last Updated: June 6^th 2008