This course is an investigation
of concepts and principles in geometry and measurement with emphasis
on deductive and inductive reasoning, with the use of dynamic geometry
software. Focus will be on learning geometry content with understanding,
instructional skills, and technology.
Sufficient maturity in
geometrical reasoning; graduate standing; teacher certification (or
intent to certify) in mathematics for grades 4-8 or 8-12; and/or permission
of the instructor or program coordinator.
IV. TEXTS and OTHER SUPPLIES
- Fostering Geometric
Thinking, Driscoll et al., 2007
- Course packet
- Scientific calculator
- Laptop with mouse
- Geometer's Sketch Pad
• The mathematics
teacher will show improved understanding of geometrical concepts from
the pre-test to the post-test.
• The mathematics teacher will participate in collaborative
teams to explore geometry concepts and skills through problem-solving
scenarios from the course packet.
• The mathematics teacher will work collaboratively to select
methods, produce solutions, and communicate mathematically with justification
to the team and whole class.
• The mathematics teacher will learn to use Geometer’s
Sketchpad through completing lab assignments.
• The mathematics teacher will explore non-Euclidean geometries
and other recent geometrical concepts.
• The mathematics teacher will be able to determine the van
Hiele level of selected tasks and student work.
• The mathematics teacher will understand that geometry is an
active field of research through reading of current journals.
VI. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
The course will consist
of lecture, lab, and recitation. Students are expected to participate
in collaborative groups and whole class discussions by contributing
their knowledge and thoughtful evaluation of the contribution of others.
VII. EVALUATION and GRADE
VIII. TENTATIVE COURSE
The course calendar is
available on the course webpages and is subject to changes depending
on the needs of the course, the students, and the instructor. http://sci.tamucc.edu/~eyoung/5327/calendar.html
IX. CLASS POLICIES
Written work: Written
hardcopy assignments must be typewritten or neatly printed with pages
stapled together (no folding, paper clips, or plastic covers please).
I reserve the right to penalize sloppy, unorganized, unstapled, misspelled
or poor grammatical work. The Writing Center is available for help
with written assignments.
Late Work: Students
are encouraged to always turn in work on time. However, if situations
dictate that work will be late, please notify the instructor and turn
it in as soon as possible (do not wait until the next class, bring
it to my office). Late
work deadlines and points awarded may be adjusted at the discretion
of the instructor.
Make-up Work: In
the case of an excused absence, make-up work may be allowed.
Make-up work and available points are at the discretion of the instructor.
Group Work: each
student will be assigned to a collaborative group and be expected
to participate and contribute to group work efforts. In the event
of a conflict or problem, the group or individual may request a change.
Final decisions about changes are up to the instructor.
Help: The best source
of help for this course is the people directly involved in this course:
your peers or myself, in class or during office hours.
is expected and is reflected in individual and group participation.
If you must be absent, please communicate with the instructor and
YOUR GROUP before class or as soon as possible. Email is encouraged
or you may call our office at Young 825-2819 or Tintera 825-6028 and
leave a message. We will return the communication with details of
what you missed in class and any assignments.
Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (Eds.). (2000).
How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. Washington,
DC: National Academies Press.
Driscoll, M. (2007). Fostering Geometric Thinking: A Guide for
Teachers, Grades 5-10. Portsmouth, NH: Heineman.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2000). Principles
and Standards of School Mathematics. Reston, VA: Author.
Rice Geometry Module Activities
for Geometer's Sketchpad . [Online]
SBEC Technology Standards for Beginning Teachers. [Online] http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/standtest/standards/techapps_allbegtch.pdf
Stronge, J. H. (2007).
Qualities of Effective Teachers. Washington, DC: Association
for Supervision & Curriculum Development.
Texas Essential Knowledge
and Skills for Technology Applications. [Online] http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter126/index.html
University students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance
with the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic misconduct
for which a student is subject to penalty includes all forms of cheating,
such as illicit possession of examinations or examination materials,
forgery or plagiarism.
Notice to Students with Disabilities. Texas A&M
University-Corpus Christi complies with the Americans with Disabilities
Act in making reasonable accommodations for qualified students with
disabilities. If you suspect that you may have a disability (physical
impairment, learning disability, psychiatric disability, etc.), please
contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, located
in Driftwood 101, at 825-5816. If you need disability accommodations
in this class, please see me as soon as possible.
Grade Appeal Process. As stated in University Rule
13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, a student who believes that he or
she has not been held to appropriate academic standards as outlined
in the class syllabus, equitable evaluation procedures, or appropriate
grading, may appeal the final grade given in the course. The burden
of proof is upon the student to demonstrate the appropriateness of the
appeal. A student with a complaint about a grade is encouraged to first
discuss the matter with the instructor. For complete details, including
the responsibilities of the parties involved in the process and the
number of days allowed for completing the steps in the process, see
University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, and University Procedure
13.02.99.C1.01, Student Grade Appeal Procedures. These documents are
accessible through the University Rules Web site at http://www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/index.html.
For assistance and/or guidance in the grade appeal process, students
may contact the Office of Student Affairs.