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Extra Credit Project
Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry
All Projects are due November 20, 2012
I would like to offer all my students the opportunity to complete an extra-credit project for up to 20 points to be added to a Chapter Test grade. This is optional for those not seeking Honors Credit.
Pick from the following ideas, or you may come up with your own idea. (Run it by me first!)
When am I ever going to use this? Have you ever wondered that about a certain math topic or even the whole broad subject of mathematics? Perhaps you even defiantly uttered the question aloud as your teacher attempted to explain the intricacies of “completing the square.” I would like you to do some research where you try to answer that question. In your report, highlight a career or two which uses mathematics as well as some common daily activities which require an understanding of math. Your report should be two pages long, double spaced, in 12 pt. Arial. Some sort picture or graphic would be a nice touch. Better yet, for maximum points, do a Power Point presentation (5-10 slides) of your research!
T-Shirt Art. What this world needs is a little more enthusiasm for math. You can help out with a creative, eye-catching T-shirt design extolling the virtues of mathematics. You might use a humorous math related pun or highlight some astonishing math fact or formula. You could honor mathematics with a cool geometric design. I will even give you a transfer sheet that you can print your design on so that you can iron your design on a T-shirt. You will receive maximum points for actually wearing the shirt to class.
Straw Structures. Any room would be enhanced by a polyhedron built of drinking straws and string. Here are a few websites with instructions and inspiration. I would love to see your completed structure. Does it have a technical name? Bring your structure to class for all to admire, or take a few good photos of it hanging prominently in your room.
http://youngermath.wikispaces.com/file/view/Shape+Skeletons.pdf
http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/NHHS_Highly_Gifted_Mag/mathweb/poly.html
Kahn Academy Vi Hart Videos. Here some links to some very cool videos. Watch one of more of the videos and try some of the projects demonstrated in the video. You should label your project(s) and describe briefly what you did or how you created it. It should be colorful and neat. It needs to appear that you spent more than 15 minutes on one of these projects.
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/vi-hart/v/hexaflexagons
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/vi-hart/v/angle-a-trons
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/vi-hart/v/doodling-in-math-class--triangle-party
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/vi-hart/v/doodling-in-math-class--connecting-dots
SAT Practice Test. Maybe you aren’t the creative type, but you do enjoy a good brain teaser. Why not complete an SAT mathematics practice test? Find an SAT practice book at a bookstore or Library. I could even let you borrow one. Complete one of the math sections from one of the tests. This would include around 16-20 problems. Keep track of your answers and time yourself. If you do not finish all of the problems within the time limit, show me how far you got, and then complete the rest of the section. Mark each problem as correct or incorrect. Choose one problem that you found either interesting or difficult or both, and make a copy of it. Bring your test results and problem of your choice to me. I won’t share your results, but I will use the problem you choose during one or our class SAT Brainstorming sessions.
Direct Proof Video. Lights, cameras, action! Haven’t you always wanted to be featured in a video? Geometry students already know what a direct proof is. The rest of you can see some examples here. This video will be your own take off on one of the Direct TV commercials such as this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-zG5U0v3gU
Your video should be no longer than 2 minutes in length. Upload it to YouTube, and send me a link. I will most likely feature the video on my website and in my Geometry classes for years to come. Be sure to include your “theorem” either as a statement in the video itself or in the final credits.
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