Geometry

In the book Restoring All Things, Warren Cole Smith and John Stonestreet state, “…we glorify [God] by learning of Him and His world. To learn is an act of worship.” In the words of Johannes Kepler, “The chief aim of all investigations of the external world should be to discover the rational order and harmony which has been imposed on it by God and which He revealed to us in the language of mathematics.” Learning mathematics is a powerful way to worship God.

A formal Geometry course builds on the concepts learned in arithmetic about the properties and relationships of shapes and solids. It utilizes the coordinate system and progresses to analysis of two- and three-dimensional shapes. Geometry develops reasoning about geometric relationships. Geometry is important because it contributes to the key thinking skills of logic, analytical reasoning, and deductive reasoning.

Topics covered include the coordinate system and points, lines, planes and angles; reasoning; writing geometric proofs; the properties of various geometric shapes; similarity; the Pythagorean Theorem; spatial reasoning; and many other appropriate subjects.

This 32-week course includes a weekly 1.5 hour recitation session. Students will be required to watch Thinkwell videos and complete practice exercises before class so they are prepared for in-class discussions and activities. In the videos, Professor Ed Burger teaches mathematical concepts in an entertaining and memorable manner. Grades will be based on chapter tests, mid-term and final exams, class participation, a short essay the first semester, and a short oral presentation the second semester.

Course Objectives:

1. Students will recognize that mathematics is a beautiful God-given resource.
2. Students will learn the topics and theorems covered in the course, including how to write formal geometric proofs.
3. Students will further develop the thinking skills of logic, analytical reasoning, and deductive reasoning.
4. Students will apply mathematical concepts to real life situations.
5. Students will discuss the concepts being learned.

Texts:

• Honors Geometry Online Course by Thinkwell (Discounted price of $70 for students in this course)
• Students will also need to print some worksheets and tests, and will need a way to scan and submit completed homework and tests. There are several free or inexpensive scanner apps for smartphones, such as Adobe Scan or Genius Scan.