Project Based Math 112, Fall 2001
Instructions for Projects
Group work: Be sure you get off to an early start, since
projects require extensive thought and development of ideas as well as
clear, concise writeups. Your group should meet shortly after the
project is assigned to map out a solution strategy, and several more
times during the actual solution period. Often when a group is writing
up its report, someone finds that there is an error (or gap) in the
proposed solution. Therefore, you should aim to have your report
completed well before it is due. All the members of your group will
receive the same grade.
Consultations: Each group will meet privately at least once with
their instructor before the project is due. They will try to point you
away from undue difficulties without giving away the heart of the
project. You may consult with your instructor at any other time, or
even the instructor of another Projects section, provided that
instructor is willing and able to meet with you. You may not consult
with students in other groups, or any other person other than the
projects instructors and your group members. You may consult textbooks
for formulas, etc, but not for copying without thinking. You must
understand each step of every part of your solution.
Formal writeup: Type your final report on standard
8.5¢¢ x 11 ¢¢ paper. Make sure you read A Guide to
Writing in Mathematics Classes for details on what is expected. When
you are finished with a part of the project, you might want to write
up that part, to help avoid an all nighter the night before the
project is due. Also, you should avoid a group setup where one person
does the ``thinking'' and another types the whole report.
Audience: In writing your report, assume the
reader is a student in another calculus class who has not worked on
this project. Take as much pride in your report as you would if you
were writing it for an employer on whom you wish to make a favorable
impression.
Meetings: Meetings should have some structure and
a time limit. Of course, if you are making progress by leaps and
bounds you can extend the meeting, so long as no one has a
conflict. You should each think about the project before the
meeting. Before the end of any meeting you should decide what is to be
done (and who is doing it) before the next meeting.
Log: Your group should keep a log. The log should
be handed in with your final report. It should include at least the
following: dates and times the group met, members who attended that
meeting, brief summary of any decisions reached (e.g. Mary will type
up this part, Pat will draw a graph, Chris will investigate a = 4
for next time, etc.)
Evaluation of the experience: Each member should
hand in an evaluation of the group's performance. Did your group work
well cooperatively? Explain why or why not. These reports should be
individual, and they will keep them confidential. These reports will not
be used in assigning grades for the project. You should also include
in the evaluations any suggestions, improvements, or comments about
the project.