COURSE TITLE: Intermediate Algebra in Context ABBREVIATION: MATH 96 CREDIT HOURS: 7 INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS: 70 INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Julia Myers MATH 96 Course Syllabus Course dates: 7 January 8 March INSTRUCTOR INTRODUCTION: I have been a math educator for 26 years, at all levels from elementary school to college. I have Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Mathematics, and a Doctor of Education degree in Mathematics Education. I love teaching and learning mathematics, and my hope is to spread my love for the subject to you! COMMUNICATIONS: All course communications will be through the Canvas course inbox. If there is an urgent matter you can also email me at jmyers@pierce.ctc.edu. PREREQUISITE: Satisfactory placement test score, or Math 54 with at least a 2.0, or instructor permission. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: This course integrates numeracy, proportional reasoning, algebraic skills, and functional reasoning. Students will represent quantitative relationships in multiple ways in order to solve problems from a variety of authentic contexts. Linear and exponential functions, along with logarithms and radicals will be studied and applied. Modeling and interpreting quantitative data is emphasized. COURSE STRUCTURE: This course will be delivered entirely online through Pierce College Military Program s learning management software, Canvas. No on-site class meetings are required. The course is not selfpaced; rather there will be a schedule of topics and deadlines for assignments throughout the term. Exams will also be scheduled and must be proctored, either online or in person. REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS: Text: This course does not use a traditional textbook. Instead you will work through lessons online to learn the concepts of the course. A selection of supplemental reference and review pages are available in Canvas for you to download. Calculator: You will need a scientific calculator for this class. A graphing calculator may also be used; however, your phone is NOT an acceptable substitute during a test.
COURSE GUIDANCE: 1. Online Elements: The entire course is available online, in Canvas. Note: There is no textbook required. All materials will be provided within the online lessons. 2. Communication Expectations: As a student, you can expect that I will respond to your e-mail within 48 hours and will grade assignments/tests/quizzes within one week. Please contact me immediately if you have not heard from me within these timelines. 3. Incompletes: Incompletes must be arranged with and approved by me, and will only be granted under extenuating circumstances. It is your responsibility to notify me of major changes in your circumstances (e.g. deployment) that will affect your ability to complete all course work within the course timeline, and you must be able to provide me with documentation that will support your request. 4. Academic Integrity: For the purposes of this class this means the following: You may not give or receive unauthorized assistance during homework and exams. You may not use inappropriate or unallowable sources of information during exams. You may not misrepresent another's work as being your own. You may not knowingly allow another person to use your work as if it were that other person's work. Doing any of these things will result in disciplinary action, as stated in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy/Code of Conduct. 5. Etiquette: Etiquette for classroom and online courses is the same. Treat others as you would like to be treated, respectfully and compassionately. STUDENT OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to: Numeracy 1. Demonstrate operation sense by communicating in words and symbols the effects of operations on numbers. Apply the correct order of operations in evaluating expressions and formulas. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the magnitude of real numbers represented in many forms (fractions, decimals, scientific notation, square roots of numbers) by ordering and comparing them in mathematical and real-world contexts. 3. Estimate results in appropriate contexts, using appropriate precision; use estimation to detect errors and evaluate the reasonableness of answers. 4. Use dimensional analysis to convert units, rates, and ratios from any given units to other units. Include conversions among and between U.S. and metric units using a variety of metric prefixes. 5. Demonstrate measurement sense by determining the sizes of objects and angles using measurements and estimation. Determine perimeter, area, surface area, and volume using appropriate units in both the U.S. and metric systems. 6. Demonstrate an understanding of the connection between the distribution of data and various mathematical summaries of data (measures of central tendency and of variation). 7. Read, interpret, and make decisions based upon data from tables and graphical displays such as line graphs, bar graphs, scatterplots, pie charts, and histograms. Given data, choose an appropriate type of graphical display and create it using scales appropriate to the application. Proportional Reasoning 8. Recognize a proportional relationship from verbal, numeric, and visual representations. Link and create verbal, numeric, visual and symbolic representations of the relationship. 9. Compare proportional relationships represented in different ways, considering units when doing so. 10. Apply quantitative reasoning strategies to solve real-world problems with proportional relationships using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents as appropriate.
Algebraic Skills and Reasoning 11. Distinguish between variables and constants. Represent real-world problem situations using variables and constants. Construct equations to represent relationships between unknown quantities. 12. Simplify algebraic expressions by using the distributive property, combining like terms, and factoring out a greatest common factor. 13. Evaluate formulas with multiple variables in a variety of contexts, including science, statistics, geometry, and financial math. Solve simple formulas for a specified variable. 14. Distinguish between expressions and equations and apply appropriate methods to each. 15. Solve linear equations in one variable, including problems involving the distributive property and fractions. 16. Construct inequalities to represent relationships, solve simple and compound inequalities in one variable, represent solutions using interval notation, and interpret solutions in the context of the situation. 17. Use basic exponent rules to simplify expressions, including those with negative exponents. 18. Solve basic power equations of the form x n = b using radicals. 19. Use the Pythagorean Theorem when appropriate in problem situations. Functional Reasoning 20. Translate problems from a variety of contexts into mathematical representation and vice versa (linear, exponential, simple quadratics). 21. Describe the behavior of common types of functions using words, algebraic symbols, graphs, and tables. Include descriptions of the dependent and independent variables. 22. Identify when a linear model is reasonable for a given situation and, when appropriate, formulate a linear model. In the context of the situation interpret the slope and intercepts and determine the reasonable domain and range. 23. Determine the exponential function for a situation when given an initial value and either the growth/decay rate or a second function value. Interpret the initial value and growth rate of an exponential function. Include compound interest as one application. 24. Translate exponential statements to equivalent logarithmic statements, interpret logarithmic scales, and use logarithms to solve basic exponential equations. 25. Use functional models to make predictions and solve problems. General Skills 26. Extract relevant information from complex scenarios. Obtain any necessary additional information from outside sources. Synthesize the information in order to solve problems and make decisions. 27. Identify which mathematical skills to use and then apply them in diverse scenarios and contexts. 28. Clearly communicate solution processes. Write solutions in the context of the problem in complete sentences, including units. Use mathematical notation and vocabulary correctly 29. Use technology appropriately including calculators and computers. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: The above course outcomes can be met with the following requirements: Preparation: Preparing to learn is one of the most valuable things you can do. In this course, preparation sets the stage for successful learning through a review of previously learned concepts that will provide the foundation on which new concepts can be built. In order to prepare for each lesson you ll read a short segment and answer several questions. To do so, do the following. 1. Look closely at the Course Schedule, and determine which lessons will be covered for the week. 2. For each lesson, determine whether there is a Prep requirement. If one exists, click on Prep and complete all reading and questions.
3. After finishing a Prep, you are ready to complete that lesson. Late preps will not be accepted. While they are left open so that you can access and practice the content, all late submissions will be given a grade of 0. Completion of Lessons: For each lesson, you ll have text to read, questions to answer and periodic videos to watch. These experiences will enable you to learn the concepts, skills and applications that will help you to achieve the course outcomes. To complete a lesson, you should do the following: 4. Read the assigned lesson carefully, watch the recommended videos, attempt the questions posed throughout, and submit answers to the questions that require you to do so. Do these things with the intent of understanding the material, not just completing the lesson. 5. The lessons are set up in a learn-by-doing format, in which you will be asked to solve problems without being given an example first to mimic. The goal is for you to use your existing knowledge and reason through the problem. 6. You are not expected to know how to do every problem in the lessons, but you are expected to try the problems first. If you are unable to solve the problems, you will be shown the answer. Carefully study the answer and make sure you understand it this is how you will learn the material. 7. After completing the lesson, you are ready for the homework. Late lessons will not be accepted. While they are left open so that you can access and practice the content, all late submissions will be given a grade of 0. Homework Assignments: You will have a homework assignment for each lesson. It will include mathematical problems that will allow you to practice and assess your knowledge of concepts and skills covered in the lesson, and further develop your knowledge of these concepts and skills. Homework assignments for each week are due by 8:00 am on the Monday of the week following. Late homework assignments will not be accepted. While they are left open so that you can access and practice the content, all late submissions will be given a grade of 0. Participation in Discussions: There will be one discussion per week except in Weeks 5 and 9. Your participation in this discussion is mandatory. Discussions are intended to enhance your understanding of concepts, and to get you to think critically about and reflect on what you are learning in this course. The discussions forum is as follows: Share Your Work: Each week, a math question related to the week s lessons will be posted on the Discussion Board on Monday morning. You should solve the problem alone, without any assistance from other individuals or resources, online or otherwise, and post your solution as a reply to the discussion prompt. The solution can be typed, or attached as a scanned document or JPEG. While you are not required to reply to other threads, you are encouraged to do so, and, at the least, you should read all threads. Late discussion posts will not be accepted. All late submissions will be given a grade of 0. Quizzes & Exams: There will be two exams a midterm exam during week 5, and a comprehensive final exam during week 9 -- and a quiz during each of the other weeks. The tasks and problems you will be asked to complete on quizzes and exams will be consistent with those you encounter during the course. Quizzes
and Exams have a time limit. The timer does not pause if you leave the quiz, so make sure you have enough time before starting the quiz. Quizzes should be completed by yourself, without any assistance from other individuals or resources, online or otherwise. Exams must be proctored. There are no make-up quizzes or exams. Late quizzes and exams will receive grades of 0. Please plan accordingly. DUE DATES: Lesson preps, lessons, homework assignments, discussion posts and quizzes are due by 11:59 pm on the Sunday following when they are assigned. All late work will receive a grade of 0 (zero). To help everyone with the occasional circumstances that prevent you from getting everything done by the deadline, your ten (10) lowest Student Engagement scores, ten (10) lowest Assignment scores, and two (2) lowest quiz scores will be dropped from the gradebook at the end of the quarter. Note, this will allow for a bad week, but not help for chronic late assignments. EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit is intended to be something you do in addition to your regular work, not in place of it. This means that you should focus all your time on doing your best with the regular course work, and then, only if you have additional time, should you think about extra credit. Extra credit is also intended to give you a few extra points, should you have a bad week and mess up an assignment or two. It is not intended to bail you out in the case of chronically late assignments or bombed tests. There are two ways to get extra credit: Participation in the weekly Learning Forum: The Learning Forum is intended for you and your fellow classmates to share what you have learned during the week s lessons, specific insights you have gained, and questions you still have. In order to get extra credit, start a new thread addressing up to five (5) of the following prompts, in a bulleted fashion: This week, I learned One thing I understand well enough to explain to someone else is I have made a link between I am still unsure about To fill in this gap I intend to A mistake that moved my learning forward was Something I learned about the way I learn is The specific questions I still have are For each prompt you address you can earn up to two points: 1 (for a basic response) or 2 (for a thoughtful and thorough response). A thorough response includes specific details about the math. This means a response such as I learned how to calculate percentages, will not suffice, but a response such as I learned how to calculate the percentage of a number in the context of paying taxes on an item I purchase. For example, to calculate 20% of $100, I multiply 100 by 0.20. If you choose the prompt, The specific questions I still have are make sure that you include the specifics of the problem(s), including an example, and something such as work to show me what your current understanding is. Participation in the Learning Forum is worth up to 10 points, and will be added to your point total for your Student Engagement grade. Responding to Weekly Follow-Ups: Each week, I will follow up with an announcement, to answer questions I have received, to comment on student solutions shared in Share Your Work, and to address
things people mentioned in the Learning Forum. With each post, you will be given an opportunity to reply for up to 10 additional points, which will be added to your point total for your Student Engagement grade. Extra credit is assigned at the instructor s discretion. This means that it is not automatic, based on you submitting it. Because it is extra, the work should be of the highest quality. GRADING: Each assignment and assessment will be given a specific point value. The earned value of all possible points will determine grade, per Pierce College published policy (see the Policies and Procedure section) WEIGHT OF ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS: Lessons have varying point values, as do Lesson Preps and Homework assignments. Discussions are worth 10 points each, and the grade will be assigned according to the rubric attached to each discussion prompt. Quizzes are worth 50 points each. Your final grade is based on your performance for each of the course requirements, and is calculated using a weighted average, as follows: Student Engagement (Assessed through completion of lessons, and participation in discussions): 15% Homework (Includes Lesson Preparation and Homework): 15% Quizzes: 20% Midterm: 20% Comprehensive Final Exam: 30% GRADE SCALE: The percentage grade is translated to a decimal grade as follows: Grade Point: 4.0 Letter Grade: A Percentage: 100 through 95% Grade Point: 3.9 through 3.5 Letter Grade: A- Percentage: 94 through 90% Grade Point: 3.4 through 3.2 Letter Grade: B+ Percentage: 89 through 87% Grade Point: 3.1 through 2.9 Letter Grade: B Percentage: 86 through 84% Grade Point: 2.8 through 2.5 Letter Grade: B- Percentage: 83 through 80% Grade Point: 2.4 through 2.2 Letter Grade: C+ Percentage: 79 through 77% Grade Point: 2.1 through 1.9 Letter Grade: C Percentage: 76 through 74% Grade Point: 1.8 through 1.5 Letter Grade: C- Percentage: 73 through 70% Grade Point: 1.4 through 1.2 Letter Grade: D+ Percentage: 69 through 67% Grade Point: 1.1 through 1.0 Letter Grade: D Percentage: 66 through 65% Grade Point: 0.0 Letter Grade: F Percentage: 64% and below Note: 2.0 is the minimum requirement to advance to the next math course. COURSE SCHEDULE: You will accomplish each module's learning objectives, which align with the course outcomes, by completing the activities and assessments listed in the schedule, below. Week 1 Lessons 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 Outcomes 26, 2, 14, 17, 2, 10 Week 1 Quiz
Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Lessons 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 Lessons 1.9, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 Lessons 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 Outcomes 4, 26, 1, 5, 13, 26, 3, 10 Outcomes 1, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 8, 9 Outcomes 9, 10, 9, 21 Week 2 Quiz Week 3 Quiz Week 4 Quiz Week 5 Lessons 2.8, 2.9, 2.10 Outcomes 7, 6 Midterm Exam Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Lessons 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 Lessons 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1 Lessons 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 Outcomes 11, 25, 1, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25, Outcomes 20, 22, 25, 12, 13, 23 Outcomes 20, 23, 25, 24, 21 Week 6 Quiz Week 7 Quiz Week 8 Quiz Week 9 Lessons 4.6 Outcomes 18, 19 Final Exam CONSENT AGREEMENT: A Pierce College course requires frequent interaction with your instructor. It is, therefore, essential that you agree to the conditions set forth in the course syllabus. After you have read the course syllabus, let us know (do not wait) if you do not agree with the course conditions and requirements. If we do not hear from you within three (3) days from the start of the course, we will assume you agree with the conditions set forth in this syllabus. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Access Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Pierce College District here: www.pierce.ctc.edu/military/canvas/policies/index.html ACCESS & DISABILITY SERVICES (ADS): Pierce College values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to fostering mutual respect and full participation for all students. My goal is to create a learning environment that is equitable, inclusive, and welcoming. If you have or think you may have a disability that may affect your work in this class and feel you need accommodations, contact Access and Disability Services at ADS@pierce.ctc.edu or (253) 912-3606 (Ft. Steilacoom) or (253) 864-3383 (Puyallup and JBLM) to see if you are eligible to receive services. If you are already approved for accommodations through the ADS, have requested your accommodations for this quarter and would like to use your accommodations in my class please connect with me outside of class time to discuss your needs.