Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - EDUC 212 D100

Mathematical Experience II: Shape and Space (3)

Class Number: 1377

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Students who have credit for MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, MATH 157 need permission of the instructor to participate in EDUC 211 and EDUC 212.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Utility and aesthetics of mathematical experience is presented through the exploration of selected topics. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be delivered remotely.  Students are expected to be online and available during scheduled class times.


This course is intended for Liberal Arts students in general and provides opportunities for students to explore a variety of mathematical topics in order to increase their mathematical literacy and capabilities for quantitative reasoning and deductive argumentation in particular. The main focus is on the aesthetics of mathematics and utility of mathematical experience; highlighting the human experience in learning and doing mathematics. Though the course content comes from mathematics, the approach is a pedagogical one, which draws on the knowledge and practices from education rather than applying the lecture/tutorial format most commonly seen in undergraduate mathematics courses. Students will engage in problem solving, investigate conjectures, and develop connections among mathematical topics.

The instructional activities are designed to emphasize students learning through explorations instead of teaching a specific mathematical content, thus the mathematical content chosen for this course is flexible and in other settings may be considered as "enrichment". However, in-depth exploration of these topics provides an engaging opportunity to revisit and strengthen more basic concepts that lie at the heart of geometry. Topics include:
  • Pythagorean Theorem
  • Symmetry and patterns
  • Transformations and Tiling
  • The Golden Ratio
  • Platonic Solids and Euler's Formula
  • Fractals
  • Art gallery problem
  • Taxicab geometry

Note 1: The class is heavily reliant on technology, therefore, a desktop/laptop is required.  You will also be introduced to a new technological tool The Geometer’s Sketchpad (GSP), which requires open-mindedness and adaptability in learning. The course content will be delivered using a mixture of synchronous (real-time video conferencing) and asynchronous (near-real time discussions). These methods will be decided upon depending on the topic to be taught and the needs of the students. Assessment will also be done mainly using the dynamic geometry software. As with any software, there will be a learning curve. However, you will receive some help prior to the first class and during office hours, but as is the nature of learning any software, practice and self-directed learning is also necessary.

Note 2: EDUC 212 is one of Quantitative and Breadth Science Courses for Arts Students. Students taking this course for Q-credit need to achieve a minimum of C-.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The aims of this course will be to develop an awareness of the function of geometry in relating, explaining and predicting various experiences in the world. The students will learn to solve geometric problems that relate to their physical world, and also those concerning a more theoretical world of mathematics. Students will also gain an appreciation for geometric ideas that may challenge traditional views of the world and help them to develop new ways of thinking about Geometry.

Grading

  • Active Participation 5%
  • Written Paper 25%
  • Class Quiz 20%
  • Collaborative Work 25%
  • Final Project 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Software: The Geometer Sketchpad (free access will be given prior to the first class)

REQUIRED READING:

Burger, E. B., & Starbird, M. (2013). The Heart of Mathematics – Fourth Edition. Wiley.

Note: The eText version is acceptable.
ISBN: 9781118156599

Along with sections from the textbook, supplementary material including papers and tutorial videos will be assigned as readings.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.