http://www.sfu.caJugradprogs/outIines/Educ41
1 zazkis.html
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY ?
SUMMER SEMESTER 2007
EDUC 411-3
?
INVESTIGATIONS IN SECONDARY MATHEMATICS
(D01.00)
DR. RINA ZAZKIS
Office: EDB 8661
Phone: 291-3662
TUESDAY 1:00-4:50 IN EDB 8620B
Prerequisite(s)! Corequisite(s)
It is recommended to take this course concurrently with EDUC 415
Schedule
It is a 3-credit course. To fulfill the requirement of 39 instructional hours (3 x13) we will meet in a
scheduled 4-hour slot 10 times (No class June 12, July 10, July 24)
Outline
The goal of the course is to examine secondary mathematics from an advanced standpoint, to broaden
the
understanding of key topics by drawing connections among various topics and representations and
by
situating them in a broader context, both mathematical and historical. The means towards this goal is
intensive problem solving experience, followed by reflection.
The course will involve lecture, seminar and workshop format, without explicit distinction between
the
different formats
The following is the list of topics to be addressed. The list is not sequential, as the connections
among
various topics are of interest in this course.
Numbers and Number systems
Number systems from different civilization
Number representations in different bases
Computation in different bases, fractions in different bases, divisibility rules in different bases --
implications for base-ten
Critical Number sets (natural, whole, integer, rational, irrational, real)
Relevance of their historical development to the curriculum
Functions
Examination of various definitions for a function
Representation of functions in different coordinate systems (auine, focus-directrix)
Transformation of functions
Geometry
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Axiomatic systems (Euclidean, finite)
Geometry on a sphere, implications for the plane
Taxicab Geometry, implications
Investigations in Euclidean Geometry with Geometer's Sketchpad
Conic Sections
Examination of various definitions, proving their equivalence
Probability and Statistics
Examination of popular games and winning chances
Monty's Dilemma
Bingo
Slot Machines
How to lie with Statistics - a critical look
Calculus
(Some) Fascinating theorems and formulas of mathematics
Where do they come from?
Why do they "work"?
What is fascinating about them?
There is no textbook for this course. Materials will be provided by the instructor.
Duplicating fee: Approx. $15.
Grading:
The course will be graded pass/withdrawal. Students must get a passing grade on each
assignment in order to pass the course. Assignments include:
Weekly homework
Problem solving portfolio
Project and presentation
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