Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - MATH 190 B100

Principles of Mathematics for Teachers (4)

Class Number: 4487

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Oct 6, 2026
    Tue, 6:00–7:40 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Nov 3, 2026
    Tue, 6:00–7:40 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least C, or SFU FAN X99 course with a grade of at least C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Designed for students pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher. Topics are drawn from number systems as well as plane, solid, and metric geometry. Examination of the historical and cultural development of mathematical ideas and their place in contemporary mathematics. Emphasis on deep understanding of mathematical concepts and on multiple representations: physical, pictorial, and symbolic. Detailed topics include: problem solving, bases, whole and fractional numbers and their arithmetic operations, number theory, ratios, rates, percent, polygons, polyhedra, symmetries, transformations, and measurements. This course may not be counted toward the mathematics minor, major or honours degree requirements. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in mathematics. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:


COURSE DELIVERY

MATH 190 B100 lectures are conducted in-person at the Burnaby Mountain campus. However, the midterms will be held online via Canvas as follows:

  • Midterm 3 will be scheduled by the university during the final exam schedule. 

Grading

  • Group Assignments (10 sets, 9 count) 18%
  • Online Assignments (3/week, all count) 10%
  • Participation & Reflection 8%
  • Midterm 1 (week 5) 20%
  • Midterm 2 (week 9) 20%
  • Midterm 3 (week 14) 20%
  • Online Self Introduction (mandatory) 0%
  • Syllabus and Honour Code & Exam Instructions Quizzes 4%
  • Individual Textbook Assignments (10 sets, optional) 0%

NOTES:

The following is the default policy in the Department of Mathematics. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policy applies.
 
To receive a grade of C- or higher the student must receive a passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course. What constitutes a passing grade is up to the discretion of the instructor, though the default is a grade of 50% or higher.

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks.  Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:


Because midterm exams are held online, all students are required to have access to strong and reliable internet, the ability to scan documents (a phone app is acceptable) and access to a webcam and microphone (embedded in a computer is sufficient).

REQUIRED READING:

Reconceptualizing Mathematics: for Elementary School Teachers
Third Edition (3e) or Fourth Edition (4e)
Sowder et al.

You have a choice of getting a printed version or an E-book available through the Student Store for 3e or Student Store for 4e or SFU bookstore. The publisher's platforms WebAssign and Achieve are not used in the course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.