You can lease a graphing calculator during the first week of classes: go to the graphing calculator link above, print and fill out Part A of the form. Then go to the college cashier to pay the $20 fee. Bring the form and your receipt to class.

WAMAP: Online Homework Access

You will be registered automatically as a student in this class.

Please use your ‘first name’ space ‘last name’ as your student name

and your pass code is your student number (with NO dashes).

Course Goals

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein

Einstein’s quote implies that although mathematical knowledge is important, it is imagination that allows you to utilize knowledge to attain personal goals.

The course goals are to:

(1) stimulate your imagination

(2) enhance your understanding of mathematics at a conceptual level

(3) demonstrate and communicate your knowledge to others

(4) improve your use of self-assessment methods

(5) encourage you to think critically

(6) develop effective study and group skills

(7) apply quantitative reasoning to real world contexts

(8) master the use of a graphing calculator as a tool for quantitative analysis

The structure of this course is designed to address these goals. You will be asked periodically throughout the quarter to provide input as to how well the course is meeting these goals.

Course Objectives

The course objectives provide a foundation to develop mathematical knowledge and intellectual imagination. This is accomplished through the study of mathematics concepts at a level that will enable you to think critically, demonstrate and communicate your knowledge to others, and apply those skills to real world contexts.

Listed here are the skills you should be able to demonstrate upon completion of this course:

1. Determine the equation of a line and line of best fit, explain rate of change and intercepts in context

2. Graph linear functions, express their solution sets in appropriate notation and explain the solutions in context

3. Solve systems of equations, explain the significance of the solutions

4. Solve quadratic functions algebraically and graphically, explain the significance of the solutions

5. Evaluate functions: determine domain and range, use vertical line test, interpret the graph of functions

6. Determine horizontal and vertical asymptotes, explain their significance in context

7. Simplify radical expressions and rationalize denominators

8. Graph exponential functions and interpret them in context

9. Solve exponential and logarithmic functions applied to real world applications

10. Convert between exponential and logarithmic equations, explain their relationship

11. Simplify complex fractions and rational expressions

12. Solve rational equations, recognize extraneous roots, explain their significance in context

Course Expectations

As a student in this course, you are expected to attend all class sessions, arrive on-time and prepared for the daily lesson. Being prepared means that homework assignments are complete and you have all the necessary supplies for full participation in the daily coursework, such as textbook, pencil, notebook paper, graph paper, straight-edge or ruler, and graphing calculator.

Assessment

Tests

Much of the learning in this class is done through group work, therefore group tests are used to assess your understanding. This does NOT mean that you will get a group grade. Test problems are complex and require an explanation of your reasoning. The testing format provides an opportunity to discuss your solution process with group members prior to writing solution processes in your own words. A correct answer to a problem is sufficient for a passing grade (which is a 75% or a 2.0); however, if you wish to earn a higher grade, you must clearly communicate your thinking and demonstrate your solution process. The group work is designed to hone your communication skills (this is a course goal). The individual write-up is how you provide evidence of your understanding for a formal assessment grade. This process will be explained in more depth and your questions will be answered prior to the first formal test.

Mid-Term Project

One of the course goals is to have you apply quantitative reasoning to real world contexts. In this project you will: declare a career goal, research professional journals and publications for that career, choose an article that contains some form of mathematics, compare the math in the article to what we are studying this quarter and to the math you already know, and research the math courses required for your career path and compare them to the math found in the article.

Project Template and Scoring Rubric
Sample Project

Small Group/Whole Class Activities

Communication is an important aspect of this class, therefore you are responsible for providing evidence that you understand the material presented. One way to do this is to fully participate in small group and whole class activities. The small group format provides support to: (1) ease math anxiety, (2) learn to work collaboratively, (3) develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, and (4) clearly communicate your solution process to convince others that your answer is correct. Also, you will be expected to summarize and communicate your group’s findings to the whole class. The small group you will be working with to do class work will be the same people in your test group; therefore it is important to contribute your thinking, questions, and insights to the collective process. As a productive group member it is your responsibility to listen carefully, provide positive feedback, ask clarifying questions rather than depend upon assumptions, and share your thinking, concerns, and critique of solution processes with one another.

Homework

Completing and handing in homework on time is essential as it prepares you to be a full participant in the class activities.

Daily Assignment (Do NOT hand in):

- Read through the assigned section

- Work through but do not hand in the Warm-up exercises and the section examples

- Try some of the odd numbered problems at the end of the section. Make sure to try out a couple from each of the different parts of the exercise section. Do as many of these as are necessary to feel comfortable with the procedures. Check your answers with those listed at the back of the book to check your understanding. If you are struggling with these, ask questions in class and get help at the tutoring center.

Hand-in Reading Response and Math Questions:

- When you think you understand the material in the section, neatly and clearly answer each of the reading response questions listed on the course calendar, providing evidence of what you understand and can do.

- With the reading response questions, include questions from the on-line homework that you need clarified.

- Do the assigned daily problems to share with your group and the class.

On-line assignment: Go to WAMAP: Online Homework Access, log in using your ‘first name’ space ‘last name’ as your student name and your pass code is your student number (with NO dashes). Find the homework section you just studied. Open and complete the problems for the section. You can print the problems, work on them off-line (get help at the math lab, etc.), and then go back to the computer to submit your answers. If you are NOT satisfied with the grade you receive, you can ask for a new problem. Once an assignment is submitted, the grade you receive is recorded. On-line assignments can be completed ahead of time; however the final submission date is midnight before the quiz/test. After midnight, the problems can be worked on for reviewing for the test, but the grades will change or be recorded.

Daily In-Class Assignment:

When you arrive in class:

- Put your reading response questions on the front table

- Pick up your file folder and put away graded worked

- Share your solutions to the daily in-class problems. The daily problems are chosen to represent the important concepts covered in the section. Discuss the problem assigned to your group first. Discuss everyone’s solutions, choose one to put on the board, and then discuss the other problems. As your group completes the other problems, either register your agreement with other groups’ solutions, or put up your own solutions.

This process should only take 15 minutes of class time.

I will (1) share college announcements, (2) discuss the reading response questions handed in at the start of class, (3) take questions about procedures from the on-line homework, (4) discuss the in-class problem solutions posted on the board, and (5) introduce the mathematics concepts and procedures for that evening’s homework.

To maximize the lecture/discussion, the in-class problems must be attempted for homework.

I am not expecting that you will be able to answer the questions completely. What I do expect is that you have spent a bit of time to set up the problems (about 5 min. for each problem--that is only 15 minutes each night).

To encourage you to fulfill this expectation, I will randomly choose one day each week to collect your work for that day at the start of class.

If you have made a reasonable attempt to set up all the problems for that day's in-class assignment, you can get up to 50/50 points. If you only attempt two problems you can get up to 40/50, while only one of the problem you can get up to 30/50. No attempts, no points.

These will count as quiz grades and will be averaged into your test grade scores.

Grading

The proposed grade distribution is 40% for class participation, reading response questions and on-line homework; and 60% for tests, mid-term project, and final exam.

Tests are given each week. Test problems are similar to the in-class problems worked on that week. Tests are 100 pts. Since tests are designed for working in groups, it is important that you make every effort to attend, to arrive on-time, and be prepared. There are NO make-up tests. The lowest test- grade can be replaced with the grade received on the final exam.
Quiz grades are given each week. I will randomly choose one day each week to collect your in-class problems at the start of class. If you have made a reasonable attempt to set up all the problems for that day's in-class assignment, you can get up to 50/50 points. If you only attempt two problems you can get up to 40/50, while only one problem you can get up to 30/50. No attempts, no points.
Mid-Term Project is 100pts and is equal to a test grade.
Final Exam is 100 pts and is a collection of problems similar to the ones presented in the daily class work that cover the material for the entire quarter.

Participation: You will receive 10 points for each day that you attend class. Attendance points are deducted if you arrive late or leave early, are not able to attend a session, and for disruptive and disrespectful behavior. The 10 attendance points cannot be made-up even for excused absences.
Reading Response Questions are worth 10 homework points. If you are absent, the response questions during that period will be accepted upon your return to class (if it is an extended absence, other arrangements must be negotiated.)
On-line Homework (WAMAP) is worth 10 points. The points given on line are re-adjusted to a ten point scale.

If you feel that the grade distribution does not adequately reflect your understanding of the mathematics in this course, then I encourage you to make an appointment to discuss it with me during office hours. This must be done sometime before the last month of the quarter.

100 > 94% = 4.0 > 3.9 = A

93 > 90% = 3.8 > 3.5 = A-

89 > 87% = 3.4 > 3.2 = B+

86 > 84% = 3.1 > 2.9 = B

83 > 80% = 2.8 > 2.5 = B-

79 > 77% = 2.4 > 2.2 = C+

76 > 74% = 2.1 > 1.9 = C

73 > 70% = 1.8 > 1.5 = C-

69 > 67% = 1.4 > 1.2 = D+

66 > 64% = 1.1 > 0.9 = D

63 > 60% = 0.8 > 0.7 = D-

60% > = 0.7 > = E

“NC” (No Credit) grades are NOT given under any circumstances. If you want to withdraw from the course, request a “W” grade before the published deadline. “I” (Incomplete) grades are only given in strict conformity with the college catalog. Specifically, a student must be in “good standing” to request an Incomplete. For this course, “good standing” will mean, at a minimum, a current grade of at least 2.0. “I” grades can only be requested in situations and circumstances that are out of the control of the student…please read the catalog for details. I reserve all rights about when and if an “Incomplete” will be issued. It is your responsibility to request and submit the signatures and paperwork required for “W” and “I” grades by the deadlines established by the college.

Assistance

Late and Make-up Work

If you are unable to attend class contact me as soon as possible to explain the situation and discuss options. It is also important to notify your group members, as they will have to function without your input (you can also ask them to take notes during the classes that you cannot attend.)

Tutorial Assistance

I am available to help clarify or provide tutorial assistance. However, (since I have approximately 100 students each quarter) please discuss the problem with your group members first. Make an appointment to speak with me if your group members are unable to help you. I am also available to work with the whole group.

If you need tutoring assistance on a fairly regular basis, the math lab is in SAM106.

Individual Needs

For help with dealing with math phobia or test anxiety, please make an appointment to talk with me. We can discuss your particular issues and devise a plan to help you be successful.

Students with Disabilities Statement

Students with documented disabilities, who need course accommodations, have emergency medical information or require special arrangements for building evacuation should contact me within the first week of class.

The instructor reserves the right to reasonably adjust this syllabus if deemed necessary and will make available written changes for students to add to this document.

Course Calendar

The Course Calendar is not fixed, but rather is a working document which may change as we progress through the material. I will inform you of any changes to the calendar as they arise.

Daily Hand-in Assignment: Due the day listed on the Course Calendar

Write out the question and your response; provide evidence of your understanding.

WEEK 1	Section Title	Daily Hand-in Assignment is due on day listed. Also bring to class your solutions to the in-class problems
Mon. Mar.23	Student Intros Midterm explained	Calculators will be available for rental for the quarter during the first week of class. Be sure to bring in your receipt of payment and the rental agreement form.
Tues. Apr.1	1.1 Mathematical Thinking and Problem Solving 1.2 Number Sense Service Learning Credit Explained	1. (1.1) Describe in your own words Polya’s four steps for problem solving (1.1). Be sure to indicate your understanding of these terms: condition and assumption. Also indicate why drawing a picture or using a table is useful, and explain what other strategies you might use. Why do you think part 4 of the process is important? 2. (1.2) Explain in your own words and provide an example for each term: reciprocal, multiplicative inverse, opposites or additive inverses, rational numbers 3. On a separate piece of paper, complete the in-class problem(s) for this section
Weds. Apr.2	1.3 Numeric and Symbolic Repres.	1. Explain in your own words and provide an example for each term: ) constant, variable, numerical coefficient, term, factor, expression. 2. What does it mean to simplify an expression? Provide two different examples. 3. What does it mean to evaluate a formula? Provide an example. 4. On a separate piece of paper, complete the in-class problem(s) for this section
Thurs. Apr.3	1.4 Problem Solving and Verbal Repres.	1. For the pattern: 5, 3, 1, -1, … What are likely to be the next two numbers in the pattern? What is the output expression that can be used to determine the nth output number? 2. Explain in your own words and provide an example for each term: equation, independent variable, dependent variable, product, quotient 3. On a separate piece of paper, complete the in-class problem(s) for this section
Fri. Apr.4	1.5 Visual Repres.: Rectangular Coordinate Graphs

Text and Required Supplies