Math 413, Mathematics for the Middle Grades
(7:25-8:40 MW in LA-4)


Syllabus: Here is the syllabus.

Furlough days: Due to the dramatic cuts to the CSU budget by the state of California–the same cuts that have resulted in a 32% increase to student fees–every CSU faculty is required to take 9 unpaid days off per semester. My furlough days are
Class will not meet, and I will not be available for office hours, phone or email consultation on these days. Please, understand that these are not holidays. The amount of material we are expected to cover has not been changed. This means that you will have to do more work on your own and learn some of the material without my help. It is obviously unreasonable to think that these furloughs will have no effect on your education. I know this and will take it into account when assessing your knowledge. But keep in mind that everything you do not learn, every skill you do not aquire will make you a less desirable employee, other than a less educated individual. It is particularly important that you do not skip class on the days that remain.

Online resources:
 Homework:

Assigned
 Due date Read
 Exercises
1/20
Handout from Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics (Introduction and Ch. 2)
1/25
 2/1
 Thinking Mathematically Introduction and pp. 1-35
 Patchwork on p. 11, Tethered Goat on p. 29, Ladies Luncheon on p. 32
2/1
 2/8
 Thinking Mathematically pp. 19-37
 Fractious on p. 34, Quick and Toasty on p. 37. And work on Reading Assignment 1.
2/8
 2/15
 Thinking Mathematically pp. 38-48
 Envelopes on p. 35, Creepy Crawlies on p. 44. And finish Reading Assignment 1.
2/15
 2/22
 Thinking Mathematically pp. 38-48
 Homework holiday. Prepare for the upcoming exam.
2/22
 3/1
 Thinking Mathematically pp. 49-67
 Threaded Pins on p. 52, Leapfrogs on p. 57, and Painted Tyres on p. 65
3/1
 3/8
 Thinking Mathematically pp. 68-84
 Square Differences on p. 78, Fifteen on p. 79, and Circle and Spots on p. 82
3/8
 3/15
 Thinking Mathematically pp. 85-91
 Matches 1 and 2 on pp. 86-87
3/15
 3/22
 Thinking Mathematically pp. 85-92
 Homework holiday. Prepare for the upcoming exam.
3/22
 4/12
 Thinking Mathematically pp. 93-131
Mahavier: What is the Moore Method?
McRae, Straley: The R.L. Moore Method at the Secondary Level
 Do Square Dissection on p. 92, Hidden Assumptions on p. 103 (also see Nine Dots on p. 111), Multi-Facets on p. 113 (Hint: compare with Threaded Pins on p. 52).
3/22
 4/14
 Second handout from Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics (Chs. 4 and 5)
 Complete Reading Assignment 2.
4/14
 4/21
 Fostering Algebraic Thinking, pp. 1-9
 True or False on p. 111 in TM, Golden Apples on p. 7 in FAT
4/21
 4/28
 Fostering Algebraic Thinking, pp. 10-19
 The Locker Problem on p. 10, Crossing the River on p. 11
4/28
 5/3
 Fostering Algebraic Thinking, pp. 20-34
 Postage Stamp Problem on p. 24, A Crawling Snail, p. 31
4/28
 5/10
 Mahavier: What is the Moore Method?
McRae, Straley: The R.L. Moore Method at the Secondary Level 		Assignment 3

The problem of the fortnight: The Mathematics Department in San Diego posts a new fun problem periodically.  If you'd like to submit a solution, give it or e-mail it to me, so that I can fax them all together to San Diego. Winners receive prizes.

Exam solutions:
 Educational links:
Math links: The links below lead to sites with encyclopedias of math terms.  You can use them to find definitions, examples, and some theorems.
Some scholarship opportunities for prospective teachers: