MTH 211 Elementary Mathematics 1

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the first course of a three-course mathematics sequence designed for liberal arts students, especially prospective elementary teachers. Emphasizes problem solving and covers basic concepts about whole numbers, integers, sets, and number theory. Uses manipulatives to deepen understanding.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher); and placement into MTH 111Z (or higher); or completion of MTH 091 (or higher) or equivalent course as determined by instructor; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Student Learning Outcomes:

Use a variety of mathematical problem solving techniques including the use of, but not limited to, graphical, symbolic, narrative, and tabular representations.
Create models of real world situations as they apply to the teaching of mathematics at the elementary level in problem solving, set theory, whole numbers, numeration, computation, number theory and integers.
Use inductive reasoning to develop mathematical conjectures in problem solving, set theory, whole numbers, numeration, computation, number theory and integers. Use deductive reasoning to verify and apply mathematical arguments in problem solving, set theory, whole numbers, numeration, computation, number theory and integers.
Make mathematical connections to, and solve problems from, other disciplines as it applies to the teaching of mathematics at the elementary level in problem solving, set theory, whole numbers, numeration, computation, number theory and integers.
Use oral and written skills to individually and collaboratively communicate about applications as it applies to the teaching of mathematics at the elementary level in problem solving, set theory, whole numbers, numeration, computation, number theory and integers.
Use appropriate technology to solve mathematical problems and to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding of mathematics at the elementary level in problem solving, set theory, whole numbers, numeration, computation, number theory and integers; and judge the reasonableness of results.
Conduct projects that encourage independent, nontrivial exploration of applications and models as it applies to the teaching of mathematics at the elementary level in problem solving, set theory, whole numbers, numeration, computation, number theory and integers.

Content Outline

Reasoning and Problem Solving
- Explorations
- Pólya’s four principles
- Applications in a variety of settings
Sets, Whole Numbers and Functions
- Sets and operations on sets
- Venn diagrams and counting
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers
Numeration and Computation
- Number systems; past and present, including non-decimal positional systems
- Algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- Mental arithmetic and estimation
- Using calculators
Number Theory
- Divisibility and tests for divisibility
- Greatest common factor and least common multiple
- Clock arithmetic and applications
Integers
- Representations
- Algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Manipulatives and Technology
- Use manipulatives and group activities to enhance understanding and to model teaching methods at the elementary level in conjunction with all topics
- Use to enhance understanding of all concepts of this foundations course