Course description

MAGN 107

Mathematical Literacy

This course focuses on mathematics for everyday life. It integrates fluency with numbers, proportional reasoning, data interpretation, algebraic reasoning, modeling, and communicating quantitative information. Mathematical concepts are investigated through group problems and class discussions based on real-life contexts of citizenship, personal finances, and medical literacy. (Scientific calculator required, the TI-30XSII calculator is recommended).

Students may not take MAGN 107 if credit has been received from MAGN 106.

Prerequisite: SKLS 091 (C or better) or equivalent.

3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall or spring semester.

This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement.

COURSE OUTLINE

I. Module 1: Quantitative Literacy

A. Working with and Understanding Large Numbers

i. Place value and naming large numbers (1.1)

ii. Scientific notation (1.6)

iii. Calculations with large numbers (1.6)

iv. Relative magnitude and comparison of numbers (1.6)

B. Estimation and Calculation

i. Rounding (1.1)

ii. Fractions and decimals (1.3)

iii. Relationship of multiplication and division (1.4)

iv. Order of operations (1.4)

v. Properties that allow flexibility in calculations (1.4)

1. Distributive property

2. Commutative property

C. Percentages and Ratio

i. Estimations with fractions and percent benchmarks (1.2, 1.3)

ii. Calculate percentages (1.3)

iii. Write and understand ratios (1.6)

iv. Calculate percentages from a two-way table (1.8)

II. Module 2: Working with Data

A. Using Ratios

i. Understand meaning of equivalent ratios in context (2.1)

ii. Use units with ratios (2.1)

iii. Calculate a unit rate (2.2)

iv. Use ratios and proportionality to calculate new values (2.2)

B. Applications of Percentages - Calculate and interpret… (2.3)

i. Absolute change between two quantities

ii. Relative change between two quantities

iii. Absolute change between two percentages

iv. Relative change between two percentages

C. Measures of Central Tendency

i. Calculate mean, median, and mode of a data set (2.6)

ii. Interpret the meaning of and difference between the mean and median (2.6)

III. Module 3: Algebraic Reasoning

A. Making Conversions

i. Understand use of units in making conversions (3.1, 3.2)

ii. Use dimensional analysis to make a conversion involving multiple conversion factors (3.1, 3.2)

B. Using Formulas and Algebraic Expressions

i. Understand the use of variables in formulas and algebraic expressions, including the appropriate way to define a variable (3.4)

ii. Understand the role of a constant in a formula (3.4)

iii. Use a formula to solve for a value (3.4, 3.6, 3.8)

C. Creating and Solving Equations

i. Solve a linear equation in one variable (3.6, 3.8)

ii. Interpret the solution to an equation (3.6, 3.7, 3.8)

iii. Solve an equation or formula for a variable (3.8)

iv. Write and solve proportions (3.7)

v. Solve complex equations with multiple variable terms and variables in the denominator (3.8)

vi. Solve or estimate the solution to equations with a variable raised to the power of 2 (3.8)

IV. Module 4: Creating and Using Models - Linear Models

A. Create, interpret, and use the four representatives of a linear model (verbal, table, graph, and equation) (4.1, 4.2)

B. Translate between the four representatives of a linear model (4.1, 4.2)

C. Identify and interpret vertical intercept, horizontal intercept, and slope from a graph (4.1, 4.2)

D. Identify the slope and vertical intercept of an equation (4.1, 4.2)

E. Understand that a linear model is defined by a constant rate of change (4.1, 4.2)

F. Identify a model as linear based on any of the four representatives (4.1, 4.2)

G. Understand the role of units in a linear equation (4.1)

H. Calculate and interpret slope (4.2)

I. Create a linear equation to model data (4.2)

J. Use equations, tables, and graphs to solve or estimate solutions to problems

(4.1, 4.2)

Classroom Environment – Mindset and Expectations

The foundation of our course: Ten Qualities of an Effective Group Member, by Marty Brounstein

1. Demonstrates reliability

2. Communicates constructively

3. Listens actively

4. Functions as an active participant

5. Shares openly and willingly

6. Cooperates and pitches in to help

7. Exhibits flexibility

8. Shows commitment to the team

9. Works as a problem-solver

10. Treats others in a respectful and supportive manner

Together we will…

1. Encounter attainable challenges: You will be given clear and concise steps to take to achieve a goal. By attempting smaller steps leading up to a larger goal, you will gain a feeling of success and achievement. In return, you will be more apt to put forth the necessary effort on more complex tasks. The confidence needed to achieve is built by a series of smaller achievements.

2. Face obstacles: There are obstacles that you must be able to face. Obstacles give you the practice you need to build a growth mindset of “This is going to be hard, but I will try and follow the steps I know to tackle it.”

3. Recognize positive attitudes: As your instructor, I will model positive attitudes by speaking aloud as I solve any problem, verbalizing my thought process. I will use words that show you I am persisting, confident, and capable. I will encourage you to speak to yourself and your teammates in this manner as well.

4. Accept constructive criticism: Learning how to accept constructive criticism and to use it as a stepping stone for growth can be challenging. Moderate levels of criticism from appropriate sources should be viewed as being a good and helpful thing. When you give criticism, make sure it is offered tactfully, and with grace and kindness.

5. View failure as learning: If your efforts were not 100%, your attitude towards a task may have been lacking or you didn’t take all of the necessary steps. Take the opportunity to review the actions or steps necessary to achieve success, and try again. Practice what you’ve learned from the experience of not meeting expectations. If you are aren’t making mistakes, you’re not trying!

6. Learn from others: You will learn by cooperating in groups. Your effort and participation will result in the success of a group. Your sense of responsibility for your group’s performance will spur them on to try hard. As a result, you will feel a sense of success upon completion of an activity, building confidence that spreads into other activities.

7. Recognize and celebrate success, no matter how big or small, of yourself or others: I will encourage you to recognize and celebrate your successes and to share in the joy of another student’s achievement in an area.

8. Persevere: Learning new things does not always come easy. It requires effort and perseverance. I will encourage you to not give up when things get hard. If you can’t do something right away, it doesn’t mean you never will. The word YET is a powerful one! I encourage you to use this word when you are stuck or frustrated.

Source (modified): https://proudtobeprimary.com/teaching-a-growth-mindset-in-the-classroom