Username: chesapeake_math
password: prealgebra023
Course Syllabus
Pre-AlgebraMAT023
Fall, 2015
Course Instructor: Patricia Lambdin Office: H- 130
Phone: 410-822-5400 (2329) voicemail
E-mail:;
Office Hours:TBD
Course Description: Problem solving using arithmetic skills. Arithmetic order of operations with signed numbers are reviewed as applied to problem solving. Emphasis is upon reasonableness of solutions, procedures, and applications. Hand held calculators will be used. (Three hours per week) three load hours, 0 credits
Introduction:This course, Pre-algebrais approximately equivalent to one year of high school pre-algebra. Further, it serves as the prerequisite course for the two developmental sequential courses in algebra taught at Chesapeake College in preparation for college level mathematics courses.
Required Course Materials:
- Textbook: Pre-algebra College of the Redwoods BLAH-BLAH
- Calculator– 4- function No +/- key
- Notebook (exclusively used for math class) and a supply of pencils
In addition to the class time, the average student should plan to spend six hours outside of class each week (2 hours for every spent in class). Students whose background in mathematics is below average, or who normally work at a slower than average pace, should schedule more time in order to keep up with the course material.
Course Structure: This course is designed differently than the previous Pre-algebra course at Chesapeake College. If you complete the assignments, and perform the tasks as requested by your instructor there is every reason to believe that you will complete this course.
I have always told my students that this is the perfect course first math course. There will be very little new math content for many of you, this course will be taught as a quick review of already mastered material. You will earn credit for everything that we do, so please take all of your assignments seriously.So let's get started.
Each class period will require that you read the textbook assignment and complete a small number of questions. These "Did you get it" questions will be your admission ticket to class. If you read the material and simply don't remember, no worries. Do not skip class, this will only compound your math issues. You, however,have several options,you may visit me in my office for some guidance, or you may visit the Academic Support Center (drop-In) for some enlightenment. You may also talkto fellow students.
Every class period will consist of a short discussion of several sections of the textbook. The textbook is inexpensive and so I would encourage you to bring it to class and take notes. In addition to the notes in your notebook.
Math is not a spectator sport. You must participate actively in each class in order to gain the full benefit from the discussion of the day. The problems that are done in class will be taken from the exercises in the text. Of course, everyone wants to know whether there will behomework. Of course there will be and yes, it will be done online. However, there will not be an excessive number of problems to be done for each section.
Sections will be grouped together in order to take on-line quizzes. Dates for the homework
andquizzes will be posted in canvas, please be aware of the closing date for each assignment. There are three tests planned for the semester. These will be given on predetermined dates using paper and pencil.Please do not miss these test dates, my make-up tests have been called mean-spirited. There is of coursea cumulative final exam.
Now that you have decided to take this course, remember that a positive attitude will make all the difference in the world. Your belief that you can succeed is just as important as your commitment to this course. Make sure that you are ready for this course by having the time and positive that it takes to succeed.
So what are we going to study?
- Whole Numbers and their Properties
- Integers
- Equations and Inequalities
- Fractions, Ratios, Proportions and Decimals
- Percents
- Measurements and Geometric Figures
The course consists of all or parts of Chapters #1 - #7.
Participation:
Students whose attendance is sporadic often so not do well because of the nature of thecourse. Many students find it difficult to work on this course outside of class since additional mathematical explanations are often necessary. If you are unable to attend class, it is your responsibility to get the notes from another student and check the announcements in Canvas. In addition, since participation counts 50 points of the student’s final grade, it is in the best interest of each student to be present at every class session. If you find yourself unable to keep up with the class, make an appointment to see the instructor outside of class time. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any work missed due to an absence for any reason
Accommodating Disabilities: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact the instructor or Ms. Judy Gordon, title, as soon as possible, so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunity.
NOTE:College policy prohibits young children from accompanying parents to class.
ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN: In the event that Chesapeake College needs to close for an extended period of time due to a flu pandemic, severe weather event, or other emergency situation, consideration will be given to the timing and duration of the closure as follows:
1. Closure during the semester for up to one week – there will be an opportunity to make up work missed without significant alteration to the semester calendar.
2. Closure extending beyond one week (or in situations where classes are cancelled on the same days/evenings over multiple weeks) – the College may extend the length of the semester. Depending on the timing of the closure, scheduled breaks, end of semester dates, and/or the processing of final grades might be impacted.
Students can acquire information about closures on the College website or by calling 410-822-5400 or 410-228-4360. Chesapeake College courses held at off campus sites will follow the protocol of the host facility.
Course Attempt limit Policy – Effective Spring 2008, students may only attempt a course a maximum of three times. Both Audits (L) and Withdrawals (W) count as an attempt at acourse.If you need additional attempts, please make an appointment to speak to Dr. Kathy Barbour, V.P. of Academic Affairs.
Academic Honesty Policy –As described in the Student Code of Conduct, “If based on substantial evidence, a student is deemed guilty of academic dishonesty, the College may initiate disciplinary action as follows:
1.The student may be required to repeat the assignment or the examination.
2.The student may be given a failing grade for the assignment or the examination.
3.The student may be given a failing grade for the course.
4.The student may be suspended or dismissed from the college.
Grades:This course consists of all or parts of chapters 1 – 7 in the textbook. The numerical final course grade will be computed as indicated in the following distribution, and letter grades will be assigned as follows.
Did I get it 14%Tests (3)30%
MyOpenMath Homework14% Final Exam14%
Quizzes (7)21%Participation 7%
Grading Scale:
A: 90 – 100%
B: 80 – 89.9%
C: 70 – 79.9%
D: 65 – 69.9%
F: Less than 65%
Testing:
In addition to the on-line homework and chapter tests that each student will complete as they proceed through the course,there will be 3 tests given during the course of the semester. Test dates will be announced during class and posted in Canvas at least one week in advance.
There are NO make-up tests! You may substitute your final exam grade for one missed test. If you know ahead of time that you will be unable to be in class on a test day, you will need to email me at least one week in advance to set up a time to take the test.
Final Exam: There will be a final exam given during the last week of the semester. This final exam is worth 20% of the final course grade. It is a required exam and IS cumulative.
Computer down time is not a valid reason for tardiness on assignments. Computers and computer programs do sometimes experience down time, so plan ahead. If you wait until the last day to complete your homework, you may face a long line at the computer lab or a computer problem. Procrastinate at your own risk!
Classroom Etiquette:
It is assumed that all students will respect each others rights fully. To that end, it is expected that students will not engage in behaviors that distract not only the instructor but also their fellow classmates.
Students who engage in activities such as talking to each others, talking on cell phones or text messaging, visiting websites not associated with this course, leaving class for non-emergency needs, will be asked to leave.
Cell phones, i-pods, and other electronic devices must be turned off and out-of-sight. Students who violate this policy will be asked to leave the class for the day. I expect that all of my students will behave in an adult and respectful manner.
Academic Support Center: The Academic Support Center offers free drop in math tutoring in room 105 of the Learning Resources Center.
Student Support Services: Student Support Services offers free scheduled tutoring up to 2 hours per week to qualifying students in room 105 of the Learning Resources Center. To qualify, students must either be a first generation college student, be economically disadvantaged, have a physical disability, or have a learning disability.
Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
·Perform basic arithmetic operations with integers, fractions and decimals.
·Solve basic linear equations involving fractions, decimals and integers.
·Solve all types of fraction problems including complex fractions and applications.
·Convert fractions to decimals to percents and reverse.
·Solve percent problems using percent equations and percentproportions.
·Solve applications of percentage problems.
·Set up and solve proportion problems.
·Using a formula sheet, find perimeter, area and volume of various geometric figures.
Chapter / Title / Sections1A / The Whole Numbers / Sec. 1.1 – 1.3
1B / The Whole Numbers / Sec. 1.4 – 1.7
2A / The Integers / Sec. 2.1 – 2.3
2B / The Integers / Sec. 2.4 – 2.6
3A / The Fundamentals of Algebra / Sec. 3.1 – 3.3
3B / The Fundamentals of Algebra / Sec. 3.4 – 3.5
4A / Fractions / Sec. 4.1 - 4.3 & 4.5
4B / Fractions / Sec. 4.4, 4.6,4.7
5A / Decimals / Sec. 5.1 – 5.3
5B / Decimals / Sec. 5.4 – 5.6
6A / Ratio and Proportion / Sec. 6.1 – 6.3
6B / Ratio and Proportion / Sec. 6.4 – 6.5
7A / Percents / Sec. 7.1 – 7.4
7B / Percents / Sec. 7.5 - 7.6