Walla Walla Community College
OCSUP 107 – Quantitative Problem Solving for the Trades II
Winter 2014
INSTRUCTOR:
Michelle Schmode, P.E.
CONTACT:
(509) 524-5237
michelle.schmode@wwcc.edu
OFFICE:
R2012 (Water Center)
Hours: 12:30 to 1:20 p.m., daily;
(or by appointment)
Textbook (Required): Schaum’s Outlines: Elementary Algebra, 3rd edition; Rich and Schmidt
Supplies and Materials:
 Required:
o Notebook paper or graph paper (loose leaf, for notes and homework assignments)
o Pencil and eraser
o Basic scientific calculator
o Protractor
o Ruler or scale
o Stapler
o Computer access for productivity software and internet access for Canvas classroom
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Recommended:
o 3-ring binder with dividers (for notes, assignments, quizzes, handouts, etc.)
o Colored pencils
o Graph paper or engineering graph paper
Course Description and Content: Problem solving through practical applications to vocational and
technical programs is emphasized through the use of contextualized small-group classroom activities and
both guided and independent practical problem solving. A prescribed problem solving structure will be
followed. Topics include: solving word problems pertaining to various trades programs, locating and
using reliable resources in the problem solving process, monitoring one’s own learning and seeking help
when necessary, and demonstrating an ability to work both independently and in small groups.
Grade of C- or higher in MATH 72B or OCSUP 106, or appropriate placement score.
Intended Student Learning Outcomes: Students will develop the following skills in this course:
(1) Apply a prescribed problem solving structure, which includes: interpreting given information,
translating given information into mathematical language, predicting a quantitative outcome,
performing the calculations using a prescribed methodology, and judging the results.
(2) Interpret and explain written information from a wide variety charts and graphs and analyze trends in
data.
(3) Communicate mathematical ideas and problem solutions in writing.
(4) Use a scientific calculator to perform a variety of calculations.
(5) Create a written project report that clearly communicates the given problem information (including
sketches drawn to scale), the solution plan, the estimated outcome, the detailed quantitative analysis,
and an evaluation of the outcome.
(6) Solve word problems using one or more of the following prescribed methodologies or by choosing an
appropriate methodology:
a. Compute unit conversions within and between English and metric unit systems.
b. Analyze and simplify compound units when solving application problems.
c. Solve for a given variable by rearranging a complex formula.
d. Set up and solve a system of two linear equations by graphing, substitution, and/or
elimination.
e. Use right triangle trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem.
f. Use the square root property.
g. Use two-dimensional vectors (graph vectors, construct a vector from component vectors,
determine component vectors, and determine a vector sum of two or more two-dimensional
vectors by using graphing or the component method).
Access and Accommodation: If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an
accommodation, you are encouraged to contact Claudia Angus, Ph.D., Coordinator of Disability Support
Services, at (509) 527-4262 or claudia.angus@wwcc.edu as early as possible in the quarter.
Teaching Format: The format of the course consists of lecture, group discussions, guided practice for
math skills, guided practice for problem solving, and projects.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory and is taken at the beginning of class. If you are tardy, you will
be marked absent.
Student Responsibilities:
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Attend class regularly and be prompt.
Log in to the Canvas classroom daily to check announcements and access course materials.
Turn in assigned homework at the beginning of class (by 7:30 a.m.). Absolutely no late work will
be accepted.
Prepare for class by reviewing Canvas modules..
Prearrange makeup quizzes and exams with the instructor. Absolutely no makeup exams will be
given unless they are prearranged (and for emergency situations).
Obtain all materials and information covered in class and submit assigned homework on the due
date regardless of whether or not you were in attendance on the day that it was assigned.
Abide by the rules and guidelines as outlined in the WWCC Handbook: Code of Conduct. The
instructor maintains the right to address any misconduct accordingly, depending on the severity of
the offense.
Turn off cell phones and any other electronic devices before coming to class. Students who use
electronic devices during class will be asked to leave the classroom.
Only calculators are allowed on exams. Phones and other similar devices that have calculating
capabilities are not allowed.
All electronic contact with the instructors shall be through WWCC email or Canvas.
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Student Code of Conduct: Students will abide by the policies and procedures set forth in the Student
Handbook, which may be viewed at:
http://www.wwcc.edu/CMS/fileadmin/PDF/Student_Policies/Handbook_12-13_Final.pdf.
Please note:
(1) There shall be no use of tobacco products in the classroom.
(2) Students will not cheat or plagiarize on any coursework or exams. Students caught cheating or
plagiarizing will, at a minimum, receive a zero on the assignment or exam, and will possibly
receive a failing grade in the course, and/or be immediately dropped from the course, and/or be
recommended for dismissal or suspension from the college.
Course Notebook: It is recommended that you keep a course notebook (3-ring binder). A properly
organized notebook should include dividers to organize your class materials. Materials should be placed
in order (either oldest to newest or newest to oldest) within the divided sections. Notes should be labeled
with the chapter and section number, student name, and date. If you notice a discrepancy in your grade,
you will need to provide the original graded document to request a grade correction.
Entry Tasks: Students will complete an entry task each day during the first five minutes of class. These
should be completed in order on one sheet of notebook paper, will be corrected during class, and will be
collected every Friday. Entry tasks are designed to reinforce skills that were practiced the previous class
day(s).
Homework: Homework exercises will be assigned periodically. Some exercises are required and
graded. Some exercises are recommended, but not submitted and not graded. Required homework must
be submitted by 7:30 a.m. on the date it is due. No late work is accepted. The lowest two homework
scores will be dropped. All homework will be labelled in the top right corner of the paper with the
student’s first and last name, OCSUP 107, assignment number or title, and the date. Failure to properly
label will result in a deduction of points.
Quizzes: A quiz is a very short written assessment (approximately five to 10 minutes) which will be
given at the beginning of the class period. There will approximately one quiz per week, but sometimes
more frequently. Any student may rework a quiz one time for a maximum of 50% of the points missed
on the original quiz. If a student is absent (or tardy) on the day of a quiz, he or she may rework the quiz
for a maximum of 50% of the maximum quiz score. All reworked quizzes may be reworked as open book
and are due on Monday of the following week. The lowest one quiz score will be dropped.
Projects: Each unit will consist of a variety of smaller in-class projects and one major written project.
Project due dates will be announced on Canvas and in class. Work that is submitted one day late will be
graded but receive only 50% of points earned. Work that is submitted more than one day late will not be
graded and will receive a score of zero. The weekly projects are worth fifty percent of your grade. A
grading rubric will be provided.
Exams: There will be one midterm exam and one final exam. Each will consist of an open-ended word
problem. A missed exam will be awarded a score of zero. If you will be absent on a test date, you must
make arrangements with the instructor to take the test prior to the scheduled test date, or you will be
awarded a score of zero. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor, via WWCC email
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system or by phone, of the intended absence. If an emergency occurs on the date of an exam, notify the
instructor as soon as possible and obtain emergency room or other documentation to provide as proof of
your emergency. All make-ups must be taken within three class days of the regularly scheduled exam or
you will not be given credit for the exam. Maximum of 90% of points possible on make-up tests (you
earn 10% of the points for taking the exam on the scheduled date). No exceptions.
Grading Criteria: Final grades will be assigned at the end of the quarter based on the following point
distribution:
Practice Points
Projects
Final Exam
25% (attendance, entry tasks, in-class activities, homework, quizzes,
midterm, class participation)
50%
25%
Letter Grades: Your course grade is calculated as a weighted average based on the percentages above.
Students are encouraged to periodically calculate their course grade. Grades are based on the following
scale:
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
Percentage
93.0 - 100
90.0 – 92.9
87.0 - 89.9
83.0 - 86.9
80.0 – 82.9
77.0 – 79.9
73.0-76.9
70.0-72.9
65.0-69.9
60.0-64.9
<60
Helpful Hints:
 Prepare for each class day by reviewing appropriate Canvas modules and completing
recommended homework.
 Do not fall behind.
 Attend class regularly.
 Strive to understand concepts, not just memorize answers – ask questions!
 Submit all assignments on time.
 Use all available resources, including: Tutoring and Learning Center (Room 244), Canvas
classroom, WWCC library, Online Peer Mentoring, your instructor, and your classmates.
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