MATH 180 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers

School of University Arts and Sciences

MATH 180 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers introduces future elementary school teachers and others to the mathematical content and principles of British Columbia elementary school curriculum. In the process of taking a theoretical and historical, in-depth look at the curriculum, students will be encouraged to develop comfort and confidence with mathematics as well as the ability to communicate mathematically and solve mathematical problems.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or MATH 56 with a minimum grade of 60%

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours60
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture3
Lab (lab, field, computer)1

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Apply the mathematical principles underlying the BC K-7 curriculum
  2. Create and solve mathematical problems from this curriculum content
  3. Identify and compare methods for solving elementary level mathematical problems
  4. Communicate mathematical ideas clearly and confidently using mathematical language

Teaching and Learning Approach

Mathematical concepts from the BC elementary school (K-7) curriculum are investigated through problem sets, games, and discussions. By considering the beauty and creativity contained in mathematical theorems and problems, students are encouraged to broaden their perspective of mathematics education. Mathematical principals are presented and analyzed in an interactive classroom setting and then mastered through collaborative and independent practice. Weekly lab activities provide opportunities to explore mathematical manipulatives used in elementary classrooms. Mathematical misconceptions are also examined.

Learning Resources

Required: Access to a computer with internet that is sufficient for streaming video. This technology is available on campus. Paper, pencil, and an eraser for all class meetings. A cellphone or other device for creating and temporarily storing short videos (5 to 10 minutes). Recommended: A laptop computer. A basic calculator. It does not need to be scientific and it does not need graphing capabilities.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Primes, Composites, and the Sieve of Eratosthenes 2. Factoring: Trees and Rainbows Division: vocab, notation, models, properties 3. Symmetry Multiplication: vocab, notation, models, properties Fractions: vocab, add and subtract, visualize 4. Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem Geometry: area, perimeter, polygons, polyhedrons 5. Student & Instructor Discussions (Term Test #1) 6. Classify triangles Irrational numbers with geoboards Mental arithmetic 7. Addition and Subtraction: models and algorithms Negative Integers Inequalities 8. Fractions: multiply and divide Compare fractions 9. Geometry: angles Isometric transformations 10. Student & Instructor Conversations (Oral Term Test #2) 11. Common Multiples and Common Divisors 12. Classify quadrilaterals Place value 13. Different Bases Mathematical Misconceptions 14. Numeration Systems 15. Final Exams (dates set by Registrar)

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Labs1 to 420%
Problem Sets1 to 415%
Community Activities1, 3, 45%
Mathematical Mastery Quizzes1 to 315%
Video Presentation1 to 410%
Term Tests and Final Exam1 to 435%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.