Syllabus
MI Math: Geometry
C Module, Yearlong
Art Room
Instructor: Billy Pasour
Intro
The goal of a MI Math course is to introduce the student to a different way of seeing and thinking about math. Rather than working through problems in a textbook, students mimic professionals who use math in their jobs. By seeing math from a practical standpoint, students may gain insights and understanding that cannot be gleaned from the traditional teaching method.
Geometry
In MI: Geometry, the first unit (“Surveying”) is spent learning geometry and some trigonometry by learning to plot and model areas and structures, such as areas or rooms in the school. Students will learn lines, distances, and angles by taking measurements. They will use proofs and logic to discover distances and angles that can't be measured. After this unit we will move onto “Geometry in Motion.” This unit will cover the second half of the year and will include activities such as basketball, billiards, sledding (weather permitting), music performance, and other kinesthetic ways of interacting with our geometrical world.
Focus Skills
Work Collaboratively
Accomplish Goals Through Organization
In this course, we as a class will work through projects, each taking on specific tasks. It is paramount that we work well together and to the best of our abilities so that the quality of the project is the best possible. Likewise, the quality of our projects will reflect our organization; how we delegate, plan, and use our time will show in our larger models and activities.
Grading
10% Homework
40% Projects
50% Work Ethic
The work in this course will be hands on and largely in-class. Because of this, the grade will be based almost entirely on work ethic and projects. There will occasionally be homework assignments over the weekends relating to the in-class projects. Because of the intensive classroom experience, absences will reflect heavily in your grade. If a student is always present for class, creatively offers ideas to overcome problems relating to projects, and works hard on projects with an eye to the big picture, he or she should have no problem getting an A.
Attendance, Rules, etc.
If a student is absent ten or more times, he or she will automatically be withdrawn. If a student is absent several times (but less than ten), his or her grade will undoubtedly suffer, as participation is integral to this course.
