As suggested by the catalog description (below), this is a course that focuses on the underlying structure of elementary school arithmetic. Topics include sequences & patterns, number systems, prime decomposition, integers, and fractions. For detailed information and policies, please read the Syllabus for SMTE 1350.
The conceptual framework for understanding and applying properties, models and operations related to various number systems in problem solving settings.
What Are We Doing?
»For the full details, check out the Working Course Calendar.
DATE | TOPIC | CONTENT | HOMEWORK |
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| 4/10 | Algorithms for Addition & Subtraction |
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| 4/12 | Algorithms for Multiplication |
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| 4/17 | Algorithms for Division |
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| 4/19 | Historical Number Systems |
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| 4/24 | Number to Algebra |
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| 4/26 | (Comprehensive) |
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| 5/1 | (Comprehensive) |
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| 5/3 | (Comprehensive) |
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| 5/8 | (Comprehensive) |
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Class Posts
Final Exam Study Guide – SMTE 1350
Apr28
The final exam study guide includes instructions and 20 practice problems related to numbers, operations, fractions, etc. The problems are designed to prepare future elementary teachers to demonstrate they understand the content of SMTE 1350 with Joe Champion during Spring 2012. SMTE 1350 - Final Exam Study Guide Instructions for the Final Exam This exam…
Creative Review Activity
Apr26
In order to remind ourselves about the most important things in the class, we worked as a class to create posters like "In SMTE 1350... WE DO..." wall panels (like the pictured example). Rules Stay Positive Tell the Truth Each line of text has equal width Use ALL CAPS Break the rules
The 2-Color Counter Game
Apr05
This is a two-person game designed to get students thinking about probability, negative numbers, and the concept of 0 pairs. I wouldn't call it "fun", but it's interesting. Two Color Counter Game
Find the Common Value
Apr05
Some applications of the number theory ideas LCM and GCD. Each involves finding a common value. Shane has 72 inches of copper wire and 42 inches of steel wire. What are the largest pieces he can cut these wires into so that each piece is the same length? Explain how you determined your answer. How…
Waffle Makers
Apr05
This activity introduces students to the idea of GCD through the simple task of dissecting a rectangle into maximal squares. The Set-up The Silver kids, Sydney, Scout, Sean, and Shay, love when Mom and Dad make them waffles for breakfast. Ever since an unfortunate accident with a rolling waffle (don’t worry, everyone’s okay), however, Mom…
Prime Factorization Worksheet
Apr05
The Prime Factorization Worksheet is a homework type assignment that builds on the ideas of factors, multiples in the context of numbers which are written as products of primes.
Factoring Whole Numbers
Apr05
Factors 1-10 1 divides every whole number 2 divides a whole number if it is even 3 divides a whole number if three divides the sum of the digits 4 divides a whole number if four divides the last two digits 5 divides a whole number if it ends in five or zero 6 divides…
Mixed Fraction Practice
Mar27
It's not hard to find practice problems for working with fractions, but here are some we used in class (no calculators allowed on these): Fraction Practice Problems Only Fraction Practice (Problems and Solutions) More Practice (Math-Drills.com)
Class Presentations on Numbers
Mar06
I. OVERVIEW One of the best ways to learn a topic is to develop a presentation for your peers. This assignment is to develop a teaching-based presentation about a number system or algorithm. You'll research a topic, teach part of what you learned to your…
Parts and Wholes Three Ways
Mar01
Multiple representations for fractions. Learn them, love them. Parts and Wholes Three Ways (PDF)
Midterm Exam – Fundamentals of Math I
Feb14
Instructions This exam counts for 20% of your grade in the class. The exam has 8 exercises for 100 points and must be completed during class on 2/21/12. The exam has two parts – You may only use a writing utensil and calculator on Part 1 (first 45 mins). For Part 2 (last 30 mins),…
Quiz – Sequences and Place Value
Feb09
This is a 35 minute timed quiz. You may use any resources, but must turn in your original work. To earn credit, show your reasoning and indicate the method you use to find solutions. Quiz - Sequences and Place Value (PDF)
Land of Treble
Feb08
Today, you are going to imagine visiting the Land of Treble. Everything you see in the Land of Treble is made of three parts. The people have three arms, three legs, three eyes, three toes, and three noses. Their cars have three wheels, their flowers blossom in sets of three, and their trees grow in…
Working Course Calendar for SMTE 1350
Feb02
Click here for the full log of what we're doing in the class.
Subitizing and Counting
Jan31
Subitizing To subitize is to instantly know a number of objects without counting or calculating. For example, Raymond in the movie Rain Man appears to be able to subitize many scrambled toothpicks. 7 month olds can subitize two or three objects. So can monkeys and pigeons. Most first graders can subitize up to about 5 objects, but those who…
Family Math Night Sign-up
Jan26
The two family math night options for SMTE 1350 with Joe Champion are: Monday, February 27th, at Evans Elementary 5:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 8th, at St Pius School 6:00-7:00 p.m. Before Signing Up Before you sign-up in a "group" of 1-3 students, check out the following: FMN Activity Ideas FMN Grading Guidelines - READ this before…
Race You Home!
Jan17
This is a game for 2 players. How to Play Place a single token at the “home” position. Flip a coin to determine which player goes first. Starting with the first player, players take turns moving the token 1, 2, or 3 positions at a time. The winner is the player who moves the token…
Visualizing an Elementary Math Class
Jan12
Imagine you are an invisible observer in a realistic but “high quality” elementary math class taught by a single teacher. Develop a clear mental image of a typical day in the classroom by imagining the teacher, the students, and the lesson. There are no right or wrong answers, and everyone’s responses will be different. Avoid…
Number Sequence Activity (Collatz Problem)
Jan12
This collaborative activity involves building a map of numbers using a very simple rule. The main task of the quiz is to connect the sequences to the elementary mathematics classroom by using the Collatz problem as part of a lesson plan. The Rule Start with any positive whole number. If the number is even, divide…