MTH 111 Mathematics as a Human Pursuit Final Project

Fall 2009

Dates

Mon.  Oct 26th:  Preliminary topic description emailed  (Worth 10 assignment points)
Tues. Nov. 10th:  Outline of paper, bibliography due  (Worth 15 assignment points)
Thurs   Nov. 19th:  Paper due  (submit both a printed copy and an emailed copy)

Within one day after your presentation also email PowerPoint file if used.

 Presentation Dates

Tues
12/01

 

Student Led  Class 
 Aces and Amy – Modeling Softball Throw

Thurs
12/03

 

Student Led Class
A.J. and Sara – Math. Of Mine Sweep

Tues
12/08

 

Student Led Class
Alex and Cameron – Comparing Vertical Jumps

Thurs
12/10

 

Student Led Class
 Steve and Brian – Graph Theory

 

 Grade sheet

Examples from Prior Projects

Work with a group of 2. Prepare a presentation for our class on a mathematical topic that is of interest to you. 
Email to me by Monday October 26th a preliminary description of what you plan to do.

The presentation is to be well organized and include audio-visuals as well as (if appropriate) hands-on experiments or activities for the class.   You should also submit  a 5-8 page paper that explores the topic.  It must be typed neatly with perfect spelling and grammar, fully documented, well organized, and detailed in explanations and conclusions. It should contain any graphs, diagrams, figures, or data that are needed for a full exposition.  It should contain appropriate mathematical depth for a college-level mathematics class, and the mathematics should be clearly and correctly explained, and well formatted. (Use the equation editor.).  

The paper  must have a cover page showing the title and author. It must have an introduction that explains the topic or  problem and gives relevant background information  (including the mathematics). The main portion of the paper  should give details of the mathematics and examples.   The conclusion must give a concise summary of  your topic and give possibilities and references  for further explorations. Please include at least three references (books, papers from journals or periodicals, or web sources).

 Each presentation should take the entire class period.  A presentation lasting less than 60 minutes will receive a grade reduction of 1 % for each minute short -- i.e. if only 55 minutes -- -5%, if only 50 minutes -- - 10%.   (To make sure that this doesn't happen to you  -- have a supplemental exercise or activity that you can use if you are finishing early.)  The presentation should be highly interactive with activities and exercises as appropriate for class participation.

How do you find a project topic?   Look at some of the ideas for projects at ends of the sections of our course text.  Search the Internet  -- there is an amazing amount of activities and lesson plans you can use for models.  There are many links on the web page for our class.  You can borrow some lab manuals from me if you want some ideas about LabPro-based activities. (However you should do something creative  -- do not just do the exact lab from a manual).   If you need suggestions, see me.)

 

 

MTH111 Math as a Human Pursuit Final Project Grade Sheet

Name ________________________

 Paper (50 pts)

  ______ / 8 pts. Topic and reference selection
Appropriate topic, good references, appropriate number of references.

______/ 10 pts. Organization
Paper well-organized, coherent order.

 ______ / 22 pts. Content
Important points covered, mathematical concepts defined and explained. Appropriate examples, applications
given to illustrate concepts.
 

______/ 10 pts. Writing style.
Good style, grammar -- spelling, and punctuation.

Comments:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Presentation (50 pts)
_____ / 8 pts. Good visual aids. Layout appropriate for presentation to group .
Used appropriately to enhance presentation.
 

_____/ 8 pts. Outline, organization.
Clearly well-prepared. Presentation outlined to class, coherent order used.
 

_____/ 24 pts. Content.
 Clear explanations, definitions of terms.  Correct presentation of underlying mathematical theory. Appropriate use of interesting examples, exercises and activities for class.
 

_____/ 10 pts. Demeanor, delivery.
Spoke clearly and effectively and with confidence. Good demeanor and posture.
Engaged class interactively in the presentation.

 Comments.