2025 Fall Introduction to Numbers and Figures Syllabus - Mathematics 1015.001

Course Title:

Introduction to Numbers and Figures

Course Credits:

4

Course Mode:

In person

Course Days and Time:

MWF 2:40 - 3:50pm

Course Room:

Beury 162

Course Instructor:
Meredith Hegg
Instructor Email:
mhegg1@temple.edcu
Instructor Office:

Wachman 628

Instructor Phone:

215-313-6016

Office Hours:

1 - 2pm Mondays and Wednesdays, or by appointment

Course Materials:

Beckmann, Sybilla. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers with Activities, 6th edition. Pearson Education, Inc. 2022. Beckmann, Sybilla. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers with Activities, 6th edition. Pearson Education, Inc. 2022.Beckmann, Sybilla. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers with Activities, 6th edition. Pearson Education, Inc.Beckmann, Sybilla. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers with Activities, 6th edition. Pearson Education, Inc. You do NOT need to purchase MyLabMath access. Used copies or rentals are fine. Contact me if you have trouble getting affordable access to the text.

Course grading scheme:

Standards-based Grading: You must reach your desired grade level (A, B, C, etc.) in all three components of the course. The rubric determining this is shown below and further information on each component follows. There are 44 total standards, called competencies, that you are expected to master over the course of the semester. You will have four opportunities to demonstrate mastery of each competency (except for the topics in the last few weeks, where you’ll only have two or three opportunities due to time constraints).

 

Canvas will produce a grade for you that is based on percentages. Your course grade will be no lower than that.

 

Competencies

A: 54 mastery points out of a possible 58

B: 42 mastery points out of a possible 58

C: 30 mastery points out of a possible 58

D: 18 mastery points out of a possible 58

 

Simulations of Practice (SOPs)

 

A: 

Part 1s: Grade average of at least 95%

AND

Part 2s: Earn at least one “Exceeds Expectations,” with both SOPs no lower than "Meets Expectations"

 

B:

Part 1s: Grade average of at least 85%

AND

Part 2s: Earn at least 2 “Meets Expectations”

 

C:

Part 1s: Grade average of at least 75%

AND

Part 2s: Earn at least 1 “Meets Expectations” with both SOPs now lower than “Progressing”

 

D:

Part 1s: Grade average of at least 50%

AND

Part 2s: Earn at least two “Progressing”

 

Homework

A: Score at least 90% on homework assignments (graded primarily on completion)

B: Score at least 80% on homework assignments (graded primarily on completion)

C: Score at least 70% on homework assignments (graded primarily on completion)

D: Score at least 50% on homework assignments (graded primarily on completion)

Course prerequisites:

Minimum grade of C- in any MATH course numbered 0701 to 0702 or MATH 1021 (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent coursework.

Course goals:

You will be able to:

 

  • Explain the reasoning behind commonly-used mathematical algorithms.
  • Effectively communicate mathematical ideas in language appropriate for elementary school students.
  • Identify multiple methods to solve problems and apply appropriate methods.
  • Identify and explain correct and incorrect mathematical thinking.
  • Develop a positive, growth-oriented mindset toward math that values productive failure and the process of learning more than procedures and final answers.
Topics covered:

We will explore the reasoning behind the procedures for the four basic operations on whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, and proportions and solve a variety of problems using these.

Exam dates:

There will be one Benchmark Exam on the competencies we’ve discussed up to that point and one final exam on all of the competencies. These provide additional opportunities for you to demonstrate mastery of each competency. You can and should demonstrate mastery of each core competency two times and each supporting competency once over the course of potentially four attempts (quiz, quiz-retake, benchmark, final). Students who have demonstrated mastery of each competency as required before the final exam do not need to take the final. The Benchmark Exam will be Thursday, November 6th, 5 - 6:30pm, location TBD. Our Final Exam is Wednesday, December 10th, 1 - 3pm in our regular classroom, Beury 162.

Attendance policy:

Learning math can be challenging at times and is best done in an interactive environment.  Attendance in class is therefore essential. Make every effort to attend every class. 

Technology Specifications for this Course:
Note on Collaboration and AI: Every day in class we will work in pairs or small groups. You are also expected to form study groups and to work with your classmates on your homework! An editable (wiki) page on our Canvas site has been set up to help you find a group. However, you must understand and write up your homework by yourself. It is unacceptable to read, copy, or rephrase a solution from the internet, a solution manual, a fellow student, or any other source. Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT is forbidden for any purpose in this class except when explicitly required for the assignment. (There is one assignment that will require use of generative AI.) If your work is flagged as coming from AI when it should not be, you will be required to come to office hours to explain your understanding of the content and complete a similar problem. An inability to explain the work will result in a zero. Calculator Policy Our goal in this class is to understand why procedures work the way they do. A calculator will rarely help with this. Calculators are not permitted in this course, and should not be used on homework or other assignments unless specifically designated.
Homework:

You will have three types of homework assignments. 

  •  
  • Weekly Textbook Problems: Each week 8-13 homework problems will be assigned from the textbook. You will submit your work on these problems twice. The first time you should submit your best effort on each problem. The second time you will use the textbook and an answer key to correct your work and write commentary on each problem. If a problem is correct, you must still leave a comment identifying what you learned from reading the provided solution or what the key idea is. The first submissions will be due Thursday nights and the corrections will be due before class on Friday. Both will be submitted electronically and will be graded on completion.
  •  
  • Canvas Short Tasks: Most class days you will have an additional short task, such as a review tutorial or a mini-quiz on a key concept, to complete on Canvas prior to class to prepare you.
  •  

Math Mindset Activities: You will have three short assignments over the course of the semester that address student, teacher, and parent mindsets about math and how they relate to your future teaching. These will give you an opportunity to respond to a podcast or reading with reflections on your own experiences.

Simulation of Practice Projects:

Two times during the semester you will work in a group of two to three students on an extended project to practice the skills of a teacher by reading and responding to sample student work. Each of the two SOPs will have two parts. In Part 1, you will analyze student work. In Part 2, you will write an imagined dialogue between you and a student on the topic of that work. 

Quizzes:

Each week there will be a quiz on the standards, called competencies, taught that week. The competencies will be identified to you ahead of time and will directly correlate to that week’s homework. You will be graded only on whether or not you demonstrate mastery for each competency. For any quiz where you do not successfully demonstrate mastery on all competencies, you can retake the necessary portions of the quiz either during office hours or at a time scheduled via email. Retakes must be completed within three weeks of the initial quiz, though deadlines will, by necessity, be shorter for the last two chapters. 

Late Submissions and Make-ups:
  • Homework: Late work will be accepted for half-credit up to two weeks after the due date with the exception of Mini-Quizzes. Mini-Quizzes will not be accepted late, however, you can ask questions in class and submit hand-written corrections in class only up to two weeks after the due date. 
  •  
  • Simulation of Practice Projects: Resubmissions are allowed up to one week after the due date.
  •  
  • Quizzes: If you know you cannot attend class on a quiz day, contact me ahead of time to take the quiz a day early. In case of emergency, contact me as soon as possible.
  •  

Exams: Make-ups given in case of emergency only. Contact me as soon as possible. 

Duolingo:

If you are concerned about being rusty on elementary math topics such as fractions and decimals, I highly recommend downloading the free app DuolingoDuolingo and signing up for their Math course. If you do this, please follow me @mhegg1 and send me an email to confirm. I will then follow you and track your progress. For each 250 XP you earn on Duolingo Math by December 5th, you will earn 1 bonus point on homework, up to a maximum of 10 points. 

Statement of Inclusion:

While it may be presented in a variety of ways, the language of math is universal. From a young age, mathematical curiosity is present in humans across the globe and the beauty of its absolute truth and the infinite doors it can open are accessible to all. As the instructor, it is my responsibility to foster an environment in this classroom where all students feel supported in their efforts to learn and understand the content, and are encouraged to offer their own ideas and suggestions. My intention is that the mutual respect between students and myself will allow for open communication and, when necessary, a dialog may take place regarding ways in which this classroom can be made more inclusive for all. I firmly believe each student in this class has valuable contributions to make, and I will do my best to maintain an atmosphere in which these contributions are highly regarded by all.

Basic Needs:

Any student who has significant difficulty affording food, housing, or other basic needs and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the CARE Team, careteam.temple.edu, for support.  Please also notify me if you are comfortable doing so.

Attendance and Your Health:

To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person  classes or activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

Expectations for Class Conduct:

It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. 

Academic Freedom:

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here (opens in new tab/window)

Add Drop Policy:

Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates.

 

During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

Incomplete Policy:

The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

Student Support Services:

The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window): 
    The Math Consulting Center 
    Student Success Center 
    University Libraries 
    Undergraduate Research Support 
    Career Center 
    Tuttleman Counseling Services 
    Disability Resources and Services 
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.

Year
2025
Semester
Fall
Course
1015
Section
001
Course Extra
Title
Homework
Description

You will have three types of homework assignments. 

  •  
  • Weekly Textbook Problems: Each week 8-13 homework problems will be assigned from the textbook. You will submit your work on these problems twice. The first time you should submit your best effort on each problem. The second time you will use the textbook and an answer key to correct your work and write commentary on each problem. If a problem is correct, you must still leave a comment identifying what you learned from reading the provided solution or what the key idea is. The first submissions will be due Thursday nights and the corrections will be due before class on Friday. Both will be submitted electronically and will be graded on completion.
  •  
  • Canvas Short Tasks: Most class days you will have an additional short task, such as a review tutorial or a mini-quiz on a key concept, to complete on Canvas prior to class to prepare you.
  •  

Math Mindset Activities: You will have three short assignments over the course of the semester that address student, teacher, and parent mindsets about math and how they relate to your future teaching. These will give you an opportunity to respond to a podcast or reading with reflections on your own experiences.

Title
Simulation of Practice Projects
Description

Two times during the semester you will work in a group of two to three students on an extended project to practice the skills of a teacher by reading and responding to sample student work. Each of the two SOPs will have two parts. In Part 1, you will analyze student work. In Part 2, you will write an imagined dialogue between you and a student on the topic of that work. 

Title
Quizzes
Description

Each week there will be a quiz on the standards, called competencies, taught that week. The competencies will be identified to you ahead of time and will directly correlate to that week’s homework. You will be graded only on whether or not you demonstrate mastery for each competency. For any quiz where you do not successfully demonstrate mastery on all competencies, you can retake the necessary portions of the quiz either during office hours or at a time scheduled via email. Retakes must be completed within three weeks of the initial quiz, though deadlines will, by necessity, be shorter for the last two chapters. 

Title
Late Submissions and Make-ups
Description
  • Homework: Late work will be accepted for half-credit up to two weeks after the due date with the exception of Mini-Quizzes. Mini-Quizzes will not be accepted late, however, you can ask questions in class and submit hand-written corrections in class only up to two weeks after the due date. 
  •  
  • Simulation of Practice Projects: Resubmissions are allowed up to one week after the due date.
  •  
  • Quizzes: If you know you cannot attend class on a quiz day, contact me ahead of time to take the quiz a day early. In case of emergency, contact me as soon as possible.
  •  

Exams: Make-ups given in case of emergency only. Contact me as soon as possible. 

Title
Duolingo
Description

If you are concerned about being rusty on elementary math topics such as fractions and decimals, I highly recommend downloading the free app DuolingoDuolingo and signing up for their Math course. If you do this, please follow me @mhegg1 and send me an email to confirm. I will then follow you and track your progress. For each 250 XP you earn on Duolingo Math by December 5th, you will earn 1 bonus point on homework, up to a maximum of 10 points. 

Title
Statement of Inclusion
Description

While it may be presented in a variety of ways, the language of math is universal. From a young age, mathematical curiosity is present in humans across the globe and the beauty of its absolute truth and the infinite doors it can open are accessible to all. As the instructor, it is my responsibility to foster an environment in this classroom where all students feel supported in their efforts to learn and understand the content, and are encouraged to offer their own ideas and suggestions. My intention is that the mutual respect between students and myself will allow for open communication and, when necessary, a dialog may take place regarding ways in which this classroom can be made more inclusive for all. I firmly believe each student in this class has valuable contributions to make, and I will do my best to maintain an atmosphere in which these contributions are highly regarded by all.

Title
Basic Needs
Description

Any student who has significant difficulty affording food, housing, or other basic needs and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the CARE Team, careteam.temple.edu, for support.  Please also notify me if you are comfortable doing so.

Title
Attendance and Your Health
Description

To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person  classes or activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

Title
Expectations for Class Conduct
Description

It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. 

Title
Academic Freedom
Description

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here (opens in new tab/window)

Title
Add Drop Policy
Description

Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates.

 

During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

Title
Incomplete Policy
Description

The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

Title
Student Support Services
Description

The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window): 
    The Math Consulting Center 
    Student Success Center 
    University Libraries 
    Undergraduate Research Support 
    Career Center 
    Tuttleman Counseling Services 
    Disability Resources and Services 
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.

Course title

Introduction to Numbers and Figures

Course credits

4

Course mode

In person

Course Days and Time

MWF 2:40 - 3:50pm

Course room

Beury 162

Your office

Wachman 628

Your office hours

1 - 2pm Mondays and Wednesdays, or by appointment

Course materials

Beckmann, Sybilla. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers with Activities, 6th edition. Pearson Education, Inc. 2022. Beckmann, Sybilla. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers with Activities, 6th edition. Pearson Education, Inc. 2022.Beckmann, Sybilla. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers with Activities, 6th edition. Pearson Education, Inc.Beckmann, Sybilla. Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers with Activities, 6th edition. Pearson Education, Inc. You do NOT need to purchase MyLabMath access. Used copies or rentals are fine. Contact me if you have trouble getting affordable access to the text.

Course grading scheme

Standards-based Grading: You must reach your desired grade level (A, B, C, etc.) in all three components of the course. The rubric determining this is shown below and further information on each component follows. There are 44 total standards, called competencies, that you are expected to master over the course of the semester. You will have four opportunities to demonstrate mastery of each competency (except for the topics in the last few weeks, where you’ll only have two or three opportunities due to time constraints).

 

Canvas will produce a grade for you that is based on percentages. Your course grade will be no lower than that.

 

Competencies

A: 54 mastery points out of a possible 58

B: 42 mastery points out of a possible 58

C: 30 mastery points out of a possible 58

D: 18 mastery points out of a possible 58

 

Simulations of Practice (SOPs)

 

A: 

Part 1s: Grade average of at least 95%

AND

Part 2s: Earn at least one “Exceeds Expectations,” with both SOPs no lower than "Meets Expectations"

 

B:

Part 1s: Grade average of at least 85%

AND

Part 2s: Earn at least 2 “Meets Expectations”

 

C:

Part 1s: Grade average of at least 75%

AND

Part 2s: Earn at least 1 “Meets Expectations” with both SOPs now lower than “Progressing”

 

D:

Part 1s: Grade average of at least 50%

AND

Part 2s: Earn at least two “Progressing”

 

Homework

A: Score at least 90% on homework assignments (graded primarily on completion)

B: Score at least 80% on homework assignments (graded primarily on completion)

C: Score at least 70% on homework assignments (graded primarily on completion)

D: Score at least 50% on homework assignments (graded primarily on completion)

Course prerequisites

Minimum grade of C- in any MATH course numbered 0701 to 0702 or MATH 1021 (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent coursework.

Course goals

You will be able to:

 

  • Explain the reasoning behind commonly-used mathematical algorithms.
  • Effectively communicate mathematical ideas in language appropriate for elementary school students.
  • Identify multiple methods to solve problems and apply appropriate methods.
  • Identify and explain correct and incorrect mathematical thinking.
  • Develop a positive, growth-oriented mindset toward math that values productive failure and the process of learning more than procedures and final answers.
Description of topics covered

We will explore the reasoning behind the procedures for the four basic operations on whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, and proportions and solve a variety of problems using these.

Exam dates

There will be one Benchmark Exam on the competencies we’ve discussed up to that point and one final exam on all of the competencies. These provide additional opportunities for you to demonstrate mastery of each competency. You can and should demonstrate mastery of each core competency two times and each supporting competency once over the course of potentially four attempts (quiz, quiz-retake, benchmark, final). Students who have demonstrated mastery of each competency as required before the final exam do not need to take the final. The Benchmark Exam will be Thursday, November 6th, 5 - 6:30pm, location TBD. Our Final Exam is Wednesday, December 10th, 1 - 3pm in our regular classroom, Beury 162.

Attendance Policy

Learning math can be challenging at times and is best done in an interactive environment.  Attendance in class is therefore essential. Make every effort to attend every class. 

Technology Specifications for this Course
Note on Collaboration and AI: Every day in class we will work in pairs or small groups. You are also expected to form study groups and to work with your classmates on your homework! An editable (wiki) page on our Canvas site has been set up to help you find a group. However, you must understand and write up your homework by yourself. It is unacceptable to read, copy, or rephrase a solution from the internet, a solution manual, a fellow student, or any other source. Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT is forbidden for any purpose in this class except when explicitly required for the assignment. (There is one assignment that will require use of generative AI.) If your work is flagged as coming from AI when it should not be, you will be required to come to office hours to explain your understanding of the content and complete a similar problem. An inability to explain the work will result in a zero.

Calculator Policy Our goal in this class is to understand why procedures work the way they do. A calculator will rarely help with this. Calculators are not permitted in this course, and should not be used on homework or other assignments unless specifically designated.
Course Instructor
Meredith Hegg
Instructor Email
mhegg1@temple.edcu