Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The playing of games is an important part of the regular activities of children as they learn. It is well recognised that much informal mathematics is involved in many common and popular child games. The mathematics of games covers the range of simple child games to advanced game theory of modern mathematics. This unit will provide you with the opportunity to explore a highly motivational branch of mathematics.

Modern applications of mathematics have increasingly focused on probabilistic issues as opposed to deterministic issues. Recent syllabus changes in elementary mathematics have reflected these changes and probabilistic mathematics has been added to the deterministic topic of number and operations, space and measurement.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to:

1. develop probabilistic ideas and concepts and problem solving skills through the playing and analysis of games of chance and skill.
2. learn how a variety of mathematical skills and concepts can be developed through the playing of games.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Use appropriate technologies (in particular Excel functions) to retrieve, evaluate and present information relating to the determination of probabilities and demonstrate personal proficiency in the related numeracy. [QCT Standards 1 and 2]
2. Adopt a problem solving and inquiry-based approach in understanding the importance of game playing in the development of mathematical concepts. [QCT Standards 1 and 2]
3. Develop, monitor and evaluate their own thinking and learning skills when communicating reasons for decisions involving uncertainty. [QCT Standards 2 and 3]
4. Implement learning opportunities that use a variety of techniques including ICT to support the learning of a wide range of mathematical skills and concepts via the use of games of skill and chance. [QCT Standards 1, 2 and 3]

Content

This unit will cover the following topics:

1. Experience games of skill, chance, and a combination of skill and chance using cards, board, pen and paper, and computer games and recognise the skill and chance components (including games from Indigenous cultures).
2. Determine the mathematical skills and concepts that develop or are reinforced by games in a classroom situation.
3. Analyse the play of simple games of skill.
4. Apply basic probability concepts and the application of these to games of chance using mathematical expectation in situations of uncertainty and mathematical fair games, computation of odds, and decision making in uncertain situations based on expectation.
5. Use appropriate technologies to determine probabilities (in particular Excel functions)
6. Review the history of gaming and examine the social implications of gaming.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

You will explore the theoretical concepts in this unit through a combination of lectures and workshops.

Assessment

Formative assessment will be via workshop presentations and feedback on first assignment.

Assessment name: Project
Description: Construction of a classroom learning activity involving games of skill and/or chance. In-class presentations with aid memoirs.
Length: Equivalent to 2500 words
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, & 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late semester

Assessment name: Examination
Description: Take home exam
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, & 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit.

References

Arnold, P. (Ed.). (1992). The Book of games. London: Chancellor Press.
Bernstein, P. (1998). Against the gods. The remarkable story of risk. Wiley: New York.
Booker, G. (2000). The Maths Game: Using instructional games to teach mathematics. Wellington. NZCER.
BrigHt, G.W., Frierson, Jr. D., Tarr, J.E., & Thomas, C. (2003). Navigating through probability in grades 6-8. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Goodfellow, C. (1991). A collector?s guide to games and puzzles. Secaucus, NJ: Chartwell Books.
Irons, C., Burnett, J., & Wong Hoo Foon, S. (2003). Mathematics for many cultures, Grades 1-7. Chicago: Wright Group/McGraw-Hill.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in the use of computers will apply.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 31-Oct-2012