MTHT 491

Topics in Teaching Elementary/Junior High School Mathematics

Number Theory Fall 2009
Monday 5:00 - 8:00 600 SEO
Instructor Bonnie Saunders

Click here to go to The CryptoClub Webpage

Class Materials:
November 30 Modular multiplication tables as EXCEL spreadsheet
August 31 Introduction to the CryptoClub Webpage -- due Sept 14
August 31 Crickets
August 31 Combination Chart in EXCEL (.xls)
August 31 Combination Chart in EXCEL (.xlsx)
August 31 Problem Set #3-- due in class on September 14
August 31 Problem Set #2-- due in class on September 14
August 24 Problem Portfolio Description
August 24 Problem Set #1 -- due in class on August 31
August 24 BestEver Cookies (A Microsoft Word document)
August 24 Hexite Number System
August 24 Four Score
August 24 ascii code
August 24 Registration form
August 24 Syllabus
August 24 Course Description

This problem-based course presents classical topics of elementary number theory and how they pertain to teaching the elementary and Junior High School mathematics. Topics include prime numbers, GCF, LCM, division algorithm, Euclidean algorithm and the extended Euclidean algorithm. Several applications, including cryptography, will be presented using middle grade materials. The course prepares the teacher for using the CryptoClub materials with middle grade students.

Required materials:

The Cryptoclub:  Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes
by Janet Beissinger and Vera Pless.
Workbook for The Cryptoclub:  Using Mathematics to Make and Break Secret Codes
by Janet Beissinger and Vera Pless.  You may download this for free from the A.K. Peters website.
TI-83/84 or TI-83/84 Plus or equivalent graphing calculator.

--Last updated August 2009 by Bonnie Saunders