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Math250A-ProjectGuidelines.pdf

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Math 250A Spring 2018

How to Work on Your Project; What is Expected

Oyez! Oyez! Come hither and hearken to these words of advice, encouragement (I

hope!) and Rules of the Game!

This is an important, sizable, lengthy assignment. To do well you should start

immediately, and work on it every day. You may need all of the time you have been given to

complete your project by the due date.

1. Start today. Let your subconscious work for you; it can do amazing things. If you immerse yourself in the project, solutions will come to you at the most unexpected

times.

2. Read the entire project to see what it encompasses. Do not worry about the details the first time through. Do this today.

3. Next, read the project very carefully and make a list of any unfamiliar words or concepts you encounter. Should concepts arise about which you are unsure, you

must learn about and understand them before you can do the project. Even if you

understand all of the terms and concepts, do not assume that the project is easy; it is

not. Should you wait till the last few days to start, it is doubtful that you will be able

to finish on time.

4. You may need to do outside reading. In addition to your textbook there are lots of books in the library that contain information you might find helpful. You may also

find help on the internet.

5. While I expect all groups to work independently, I do not expect that you can finish the project without assistance. Your first source of assistance should be the other

members of your group. I also encourage you to come to talk to me about your

project. I will not solve any problem you have, but I may be able to suggest a helpful

direction to take. Bring specific questions, and be prepared to show clear, written

work that you have prepared. You may not consult with anyone other than your

group members and me.

6. When you have finished the work on your project, you need to prepare it in written form. The paper you turn in should have a mix of equations, formulas, and prose to

support your conclusions; it should resemble a mathematics textbook presenting a

complete idea. In particular, it should not sound as if you are merely answering a

series of questions. Use complete sentences, proper grammar, and correct

punctuation. Correct spelling is important. The prose should be written to convey to

the reader an explanation of what you have done and why you have done it. It should

be written in such a way that anyone who knows the material in this course can read

and understand it. Your grade will depend on the written presentation as well as the

mathematical content.

Math 250A Spring 2018

Here are some suggestions for group work:

1. You should plan your first group meeting as soon as possible, but before the first meeting, you should have read the project carefully and given it some thought. At

your first meeting, you should plan a method of attack and you may wish to divide

the labor amongst the group members. Different members of the group may perform

different tasks, but I expect all members of the group to understand all parts of the

solution. Regular group meetings to discuss the progress of the solution are

important.

2. Group projects often work well when each group member first spends some time working individually on the problem followed by a group meeting in which the ideas

and progress of the members are discussed. I encourage you to try this. Again, this

discussion of results and details should be confined to the other members of your

group and me.

3. Your group will turn in one project report with each group member’s name clearly shown on the cover. Also, each group member will turn in separately an assessment

of the other group members’ contributions to the solution and report. This

assessment will address the following questions:

a. Did each group member attend and participate in each meeting? b. Did each group member complete his/her assigned task(s)? c. Did each group member read the final report?

All group members may not necessarily receive the same grade on the project.

Your score out of 100 points will be based upon your written presentation as well as the

mathematical content according to the following distribution:

Mathematical Content (50 points): Your approach, procedure, derivations, and

calculations should be clear, complete, and correct.

Presentation and Style (30 points): Your paper should include the general background

of the project along with your work and conclusions. The report should be a cohesive

presentation that a reasonably literate individual who knows calculus can follow and

appreciate. Your report should not be written as though you were merely solving a

series of separate homework problems.

Grammar (10 points): You should use correct English.

Mathematical Notation (10 points): You should use correct and appropriate

mathematical notation.

Extra Credit (up to 10 points): I will reward any imaginative ideas, mathematical or

artistic additions, historical background, and so on, which go beyond normal

expectations.

Math 250A Spring 2018

Project Group Assessments

Name

List your fellow group members and answer the following questions for each member:

Group Member

1. Did this member attend and participate in each meeting?

2. Did this group member complete his/her assigned task(s)?