Extra-Credit Projects

Post date: Mar 5, 2011 7:53:12 PM

Some of my students have asked if they might once again have an opportunity to earn extra credit. Here are the projects that I have come up with. If you have a different idea, run it by me.

Word Problems: Those word problems in our textbooks can be pretty corny and/or ridiculous. (I have heard you snicker and seen you roll your eyes.) Find three different types of word problems, and re-write them, making them more cool and relevant. Carefully work out each of the three problems and annotate (describe in a written way) each step of the solution. Finally, add a drawing or diagram to each problem. Neatness and originality are important aspects of this project. Due Date: April 19, 2011. Extra Credit Points: +10

Math Video: I have a new favorite website. http://www.khanacademy.org/ This cool site might put me out of a job. It has hundreds and hundreds of math and science how-to videos and practice problems. I want you to make your own math video. Choose from one of the following topics:

· Completing the Square (Algebra I or II)

· How to graph a hyperbola, circle, ellipse, or parabola (Algebra II)

· How to multiply two Binomials using FOIL (Algebra I)

· How to factor a trinomial using FOIL in reverse. (Algebra I)

· How to find the height of a tall building, basketball goal, ladder, etc. using sine, cosine, or tangent. (Geometry).

· How to be a top-notch math student. Include study habits, wise use of class time, and test preparation. (ALL classes)

The videos should be no longer than 2 minutes in length. A clear presentation of the facts is a must; humor, music, and clever graphics are definitely a plus. Hand in your video on a CD. Due Date: April 19, 2011. Extra Credit Points: +20

Acronyms: You can probably come up with better acronyms for the things you have been asked to memorize this year. FOIL, sine, cosine, tangent, formulas for area, perimeter, or volume. Let your imagination go and come up with three new acronyms that would be useful for the course you are currently taking. Present your acronyms with illustrations or diagrams on an 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper. Neatness counts. Due Date: April 19, 2011. Extra Credit Points: +5