Text(s)/Materials:

Rhoad, R., Milauskas, G., Whipple, R. (1991). GEOMETRY for Enjoyment and Challenge (Revised Edition). Evanston, IL: McDougal, Littell and Co.

Course Description:

Geometry I/II is a one-semester course in Euclidean Geometry for students who have not had a geometry course previously. The content is equivalent to a full-year honors-level college preparatory geometry course. It is intended to provide a survey of topics in plane and solid geometry, including problem solving and various forms of proof. Significant emphasis is placed on making connections between and among topics in geometry, other topics in mathematics, such as algebra and probability, and the real world. Verbal and written communications are stressed. Students will also experience the dynamic nature of geometry through projects that make use of computer technology.

Teaching and Learning Methodology and Philosophy:

Students need to be involved in the exploration of a variety of concepts so that they can make these concepts their own. To this end, concepts, skills, and problem solving strategies are developed through class discussions, small-group activities, and interactive investigations. Learning is fun, but learning takes work. Ideas do not always become clear immediately, so perseverance, a positive attitude toward learning, and a willingness to ask questions are important. Taking risks, thinking creatively, searching for patterns, deriving generalizations, and seeking extensions are important aspects of the learning process, as are understanding how to dialog, to reason, to conjecture, to construct strong arguments, and to speak with power, clarity, and elegance.

Student Expectations:

All students are expected to (a) be actively involved in small-group activities, and class discussions and explorations, (b) study and work independently in a fast-paced curriculum, (c) be willing to work collaboratively with others both in and out of class, (d) treat others with politeness and respect, (e) spend adequate time preparing prior to class, (f) read ahead (since the teacher rarely re-lectures over the material in the text), (g) complete all assigned tasks and work in a timely manner, (h) spend adequate time practicing and studying for review, (i) keep a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, and (j) be willing to try new stuff.

Assessment Practices, Procedures, and Processes:

Students will be evaluated in a variety of different ways. Means of formal assessment may include individual and group quizzes, examinations, weekly problem sets, projects, computer explorations, and written papers. Informal assessment takes place in an ongoing manner through classroom presentations, classroom observations, and individual contacts. The expectation is that students will actively participate in whole-class and small-group discussions, and will demonstrate increasing proficiency at presenting clear and logical correct arguments. Since assessments are also intended to be learning experiences, not all assessments will be evaluative.

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