SYLLABUS
MA 104            
Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers

TEXTBOOK: Essentials of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, By Musser, Burger, Peterson.

PREREQUISITE:   Placement by the Mathematics Department

I.      Problem Solving

• Polya’s Four Step Process
• Strategies for Problem Solving
  • Look for a Pattern
  • Make a List
  • Solve a Simpler Problem
  • Draw a Diagram
  • Use a Variable
  • Use Properties of Numbers

II.     Whole Numbers & Operations

• Whole Numbers & Numeration
• Operations with Whole Numbers

III. Number Theory

          Primes & Composite Numbers
          Tests for Divisibility
          Greatest Common Factor
          Least Common Multiple

IV.    Rational Numbers

• Set of Rational Numbers (Fractions) 
  • Concept of a Fraction
  • Representations of Fractions 
  • Equivalence and Ordering 
• Operations with Fractions
• Decimals 
  • Place Value 
  • Operations with Decimals
• Ratio and Proportion
• Percent

V.   Integers

• Representations of Integers (including negative numbers)
• Operations with Integers

                                                                                                                                                                           Learning Outcome 1: The student will have demonstrated a comprehension of problem solving strategies.

Learning Outcome 2: The student will have demonstrated a basic understanding of the set of integers and mathematical operations using them.

Learning Outcome 3: The student will have demonstrated a basic understanding of the set of rational numbers and their applications.