MATH 2030 – Fall 2010

Project 1 – Due: 3 December 2010 (tentative)

You must complete the project in a group of two to three students. Normally, all members of the group will receive the same grade; however, the instructor reserves the right to conduct individual interviews over the content of the project and to assign different grades to different members of the group.

Introduction

We have discussed several aspects of solving mathematical problems in class. For practice in using mathematical problems in teaching, you are to describe three (3) mathematical problems that you can use in your teaching and which are appropriate for one particular elementary grade level.

Final Report/Grading Rubric

You are to present a written report describing your findings. Use complete, grammatically-correct sentences. One problem must come from an approved source (e.g., mathematics education journals); one problem must come from an approved source AND you must adapt (modify) the problem in some significant manner; one problem must be constructed by your group. You MUST cite each source using APA style (1 point). For each problem include a title and the problem statement. You must provide a well-organized answer (with details) to the following questions for each mathematical problem (9 points for each problem):

  1. Why is it a mathematical problem for the student?
  2. Why is it appropriate for the grade level you have chosen?
  3. What are the mathematical concepts that students need to solve the problem?
  4. What are the mathematical concepts that students should learn from solving the problem?
  5. How can you assess that students have learned the concepts?
  6. What are two ways in which the students can approach and solve the problem?
  7. What is a solution to the problem?
  8. How does the problem correspond to NCTM’s principles and standards (http://standards.nctm.org/)?
  9. How does the problem correspond to Georgia’s Curriculum Standards (https://www.georgiastandards.org/Pages/default.aspx)?
  10. How does the problem correspond to Gwinnett County’s Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS – http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/aks.nsf/pages/AKSHOME)?
  11. What kind of additional materials will help the students in solving the problem?

You will be graded on the quality and clarity of your written presentation as well as the mathematical accuracy of your paper. INDIVIDUALLY, and on a separate piece of paper (NOT submitted with the solutions to the problems), discuss your participation in the group AND discuss the participation of your partner(s) (2 points total).

Please follow these guidelines when preparing your report:

  1. Each problem must be on separate pages.
  2. Clearly explain your reasoning. Use complete, grammatically-correct sentences.
  3. Papers must be typed. You may write equations and formulas in by hand or you can use the built-in equation editor in Microsoft Word. Click on Insert on the command bar, select Object, and select Microsoft Equation.
  4. Papers should include a mixture of tables, graphs, equations, and written explanations. Your textbook can serve as a model. For example, look at the equations, tables, and graphs in your textbook and notice the way the text inserts these into the flow of its written explanations. In particular, note that an equation is usually easier to read if centered on a line by itself.
  5. Graphs from your calculator may be printed or copied into a word processor using TI-Graph Link software. This software is available in the computer labs.
  6. Tables and graphs can be made and printed or copied into a word processor using Excel software, which is also available in the computer labs.
  7. You are not writing a user's manual on how to use the calculator. Do not write about which keys you pressed on your calculator.
  8. Turn in one paper per group. The instructor will keep all papers. Make a copy for your files before turning in your paper.