A conceptual development of geometry through the investigation of geometric relationships and informal understandings leading to formal deductions. Middle and junior high school emphasis.
Geometry is a wonderful topic in mathematics. Geometry is wonderful because:
- When solving geometry problems there is often a natural integration and inter-play between algebraic thinking, number sense, and geometry.
- Being visual, it is often appealing.
- Our world is inherently geometrical. From designing a floor plan for a room, to hanging wallpaper, to building a 4H Birdhouse, it's all geometry.
- It is timeless. The Greek mathematicians studied geometry.
- Geometry problems and the associated geometric thinking help students develop the mathematical practices, including modeling, reasoning, use of repeated reasoning, and use of structure.
- Art, architecture, and design involve geometry, so an understanding of geometry plays a role.
Course title: Investigations in School Geometry
Course number: Math 402(G). 'G' means this course can be taken for graduate credit.
Instructor: Jim Olsen
STAR Number: 57398
Day/Time: This is an online course. As a general rule, course materials, readings, discussion topics, and assignments for the week will be posted regularly each week. Each week participants will engage with the materials and discussions on their own (asynchronously). Assignments will be due throughout the semester.
Location: online using WesternOnline https://westernonline.wiu.edu/ (Log in with your ecom username and password.)
Credit hours: 2 SH
Note: If graduate students need another (1) semester hour of credit (because this course is just 2 SH), discuss this with Dr. Olsen before the semester begins and we may be able to arrange a 1 SH independent study, Math 590.
Intended audiences: This course is intended for (a) undergraduate students in the Middle Level Education majors in the Middle Level Mathematics Teaching minor, (b) graduate students seeking a masters degree in education, and (c) in-service teachers seeking professional development.
To Enroll: This course requires special permission to enroll. If you'd like to enroll in this course discuss it with your W.I.U. Education Adviser or email Dr. Olsen (JR-Olsen@wiu.edu) and provide your W.I.U. ID number. Your Education Adviser or myself (Dr. Olsen) will forward your name and WIU ID number to our department secretary who will enroll you. You should check the STARS system a couple days later to confirm you are enrolled in the course.
Textbook: We will use a few online resources. One primary open-source textbook we will be using is CK-12 Interactive Geometry for CCSS (which is s Flexbook® Textbook) https://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Interactive-Geometry-for-CCSS/r13/ There will be no required physical textbook.
University: Western Illinois University
Pre-requisite: MATH 123 or 128 or 502 or equivalent.
Instructor: James Olsen. Information about Jim. Jim Olsen's homepage
Instructor's Phone: 309/298-2317
The WIU Curriculum and Instruction Department has an excellent Master of Science in Elementary Education degree program. It has a number of Areas of Specialization, including Math Education and Elementary Curriculum. This Math 402G course can work in these areas of specialization. This degree program is an award-winning program (WIU-news).
For information on our Graduate School and costs, see wiu.edu/vpas/business_services/tuition/ or wiu.edu/vpas/business_services/tuition/graduate_non-degree/planQ.php. For specific questions about costs contact the School of Graduate Studies; Sherman Hall 116; Macomb, IL 61455 (877-WIU Grad or 309-298-1806) Email: Grad-Office@wiu.edu.