From Equations to Structures: Linking Abstract Algebra and High-School Algebra for Secondary School Teachers

Abstract

The high-school curriculum in algebra deals mainly with the solution of different types of equations. Modern algebra has a completely different viewpoint and is concerned with algebraic structures and operations. The course Algebra: From Equations to Structures is part of an M.Sc. programme for Israeli secondary school mathematics teachers. It provides an introduction to algebraic structures and modern abstract algebra, and links abstract algebra to the high-school curriculum in algebra. It follows the historical attempts of mathematicians to solve polynomial equations of higher degrees, attempts which resulted in the development of group theory and field theory by Galois and Abel. This approach leads naturally to examining topics and fundamental theorems in both group theory and field theory. Along the historical “journey”, many other major results in algebra in the past 150 years are introduced, and current research in algebra is highlighted. We examine the relevance of the course to the teachers' work.