MST 101 - Math, Science, and Technology I
Fall 2006

Dr. Jennifer Bready
Aquinas 12 G
569-3268
bready@msmc.edu

Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the scientific method, experimental design, mathematical data analysis, information retrieval and assessment. Integrated throughout the course will be the history and philosophy of science, mathematical theory and problem-solving strategies. Students will engage in inquiry based and collaborative learning and develop both written and oral communication skills. This course will satisfy the college's computer literacy requirement.

Outcomes:
Students will lessen their anxiety of math and science and be able to appreciate the relevance of math and science in everyday situations. At the end of MST 101, a student will be able to:

• ask questions that can be answered by an experiment
• design an experiment
• analyze data for trends
• use a spreadsheet
• present experimental findings orally and in writing
• use word processing
• make and interpret graphs
• use statistics to assess the validity of data
• use fractions, ratios, decimals, and irrational numbers
• understand and use scientific notation
• understand and use different methods of measurement
• understand the limitations of measuring devices
• understanding the differences between qualitative and quantitative data
• retrieve information by traditional and electronic means
• understand the development and use of the real number system

Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory. Excessive absence can be cause for loss of a grade or failure. Attendance will be a part of your grade.

Assessment:
In-class assignments and homework will be graded according to the following scale:

Grade Criteria/Performance
A Consistently outstanding work that shows mastery of the material relevant to the assignment. Work displays evidence of well-developed high-order thinking and problem solving skills, including the ability to define a problem, the ability to recognize, develop and evaluate different hypotheses or solutions, the ability to find patterns and meaning in complex data, the ability to evaluate the reliability of different sources of information, the ability to generalize from specifics, where warranted, and the ability to make reasoned judgments, even with incomplete information.
B Consistently very good work that shows mastery of material relevant to the assignment. Work displays evidence of high-order thinking and problem solving skills, as above, but with some difficulties.
C Good quality work showing mastery of the material, but with some weakness. Work meets requirements for the assignment but shows little, if any, evidence of high-order processes, such as those listed above.
D Assignment is completed, but is of poor quality with major weaknesses. Mastery of the material is in doubt and high-order processes are not evident.
F Assignment is not completed on time, does not meet minimum criteria, or is plagiarized or otherwise dishonest.

Final grades will be weighted as follows:
Tests 30%
Portfolio 15%
Candle Report 5%
Pseudoscience Presentation 5%
Consumer Reports Project 15%
Final Project 20%
Participation 10%

FINAL LETTER GRADING:
93-100 A 75-77 C+
88-92 A- 72-74 C
85-87 B+ 68-71 C-
82-84 B 65-67 D+
78-82 B- 60-64 D
< 60 F

Learning Strategies:
Cooperative learning will be utilized as the underlying motivation for group assignments. Cooperative learning assumes that students learn from each other as well as from the instructor. Students are responsible for not only their own learning, but also for the learning of the other members of the group. While some class time will be given for group work, groups are expected to meet outside of class time if needed.