This is the information found on the UW instructor information page. For details about the course in specific years, there are substantail web sites linked to J. King's UW Courses.
(Descriptions for other instructors, especially in summer quarter, will differ from this.)
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Math 444 - Math 487
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Math 445 - Math 487
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What students can expect to learn from this course:
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Math 444 is a college-level course in Euclidean geometry of the plane and 3-space. Specific topics include:
The course is particularly aimed at students who intend to become secondary math teachers. Therefore, the course will aim for a high level of competence in the fundamentals, an appreciation of the broadstructure of the subject, and a robust ability to solve problems, write proofs and explanations, and explain mathematics verbally and in writing. |
Math 445 is the second quarter in the Math 444-445 sequence. It is a college-level course in more advanced Euclidean geometry and non-Euclidean geometry. Specific topics include:
The course is particularly aimed at students who intend to become secondary math teachers. Therefore, the course will aim for a high level of competence in the fundamentals, a broad appreciation of the structure of the subject, and a robust ability to solve problems, write proofs and explanations, and explain mathematics verbally and in writing. |
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General method of instruction:
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The Math 444 class will include small group work, lecture, hands-on investigations. Problem solving and the writing of explanations and proofs will be emphasized. All 444 students also enroll in the Math 487 Computer Lab, which is devoted to geometrical investigations using Geometer's Sketchpad software. |
The Math 445 class will include small group work, lecture, and hands-on investigations. Problem solving and the writing of explanations and proofs will be emphasized. All 445 students also enroll in the Math 487 Computer Lab, which is devoted to geometrical investigations using Geometer's Sketchpad software. There will be projects and presentations that will promote deeper learning and facility with Euclidean geometry topics and the new topics as well. |
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Recommended preparation for success in the course
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| A previous course in basic geometry (e.g., high school geometry) is helpful, but not required. The geometry and reasoning skills from a good undergraduate background in mathematics are expected. | Since Math 444 is a prerequisite, a good working knowledge of Euclidean geometry of the plane and 3-space is assumed, including transformations of the plane, symmetry, coordinates and parametric forms for lines and planes, as well as familiarity with the regular polyhedra. Students should refer to the Math 444 course pages for more details. |
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General nature of assignments
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| Students will read two textbooks and some class notes. They will extract and organize mathematical ideas from hands-on and computer lab experiences. Specific individual assignments include regular problem sets that feature geometrical constructions, problem solving and proofs. There will also be group assignments, several quizzes, a midterm and a final exam. There may be a project or paper, as will be announced each year. | Students will read two textbooks and some class notes. They will extract and organize mathematical ideas from hands-on and computer lab experiences. Specific assignments include regular homework that features geometrical constructions, model-building, problem solving and proofs. There will also be several quizzes, a midterm and a final exam. There will be projects and presentations (some in small groups). |
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Basis on which grades are assigned
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| Approximately, tests will be 50%, homework 35%, projects, in-class participation and other evaluation 15%. The exact percentages will depend on whether projects are assigned and how many. | Approximately, tests will be 50%, homework 35%, in-class participation and projects and presentations and other evaluation 15%. The exact percentage will depend on how the projects evolve during the quarter. |