Project Information
Math 1090-3
Fall 2000

You may complete this project on your own or with a partner. Together select a topic for your project from the Group Projects in the Extended Application section at the end of each chapter (except Ch. 0). Projects must be typewritten on 8.5" x 11" paper, but math formulas, equations and diagrams may be written in by hand if done so neatly. Projects that are not typewritten will not be accepted.

The projects are due prior to November 29.

In your projects you should pay particular attention to the following guidelines.

• The project is a report on an investigation or question, so you should follow the standard format taught in introductory composition courses. This means your report should begin with an introductory paragraph in which you discuss the question or problem that you are examining and introduce briefly how you approached your work, perhaps giving a brief statement of a discovery or a conclusion you will examine in more detail later in the report. The next part of your report will be the main body in which you discuss your work, give your analysis, and demonstrate your results. The last part of your report should be a nice summary of your findings and conclusions backed up by the evidence you presented in the middle part of your report.

• As with any report or project for a university course, you should not turn in your first draft. You should reread and edit your report at least once before submitting it for grading. Things to look for in the editing process include typographical errors, math formula errors, grammar and spelling errors, and awkward writing.

• Equations and calculations should be accompanied by explanations of what these calculations mean and why they are performed, given in complete sentences.

• If tables or graphs are attached at the back, then the main body of the report should include correct references to page numbers and figures.

The analysis of the problem, organization of work, grammar and spelling will all be considered in the project grade. Specifically, in evaluating the projects we will consider the following.

Mechanics:

(5 points) Spelling and grammar; neatly typed on 8.5" x 11" paper; title page with title of project and names of all members.

Mathematics and Analysis:

(25 points) Correct use of mathematical concepts; math concepts accurately described and explained; calculations correct; appropriate use of models and reasoning; logical reasoning in presenting arguments and making conclusions.

Clarity and Presentation:

(15 points) Thoughtful approach to the project; organization of ideas; clarity of discussion.

Creativity and Originality:

(5 points) How well did you use your own ideas in your analysis, depth of analysis.

$^*$If your group has an idea for a project which is different from those listed, you may be allowed to work through a project of your own design. A written proposal and my explicit permission is required for this option, though.