Mathematics Research Assignment
We will be spending February 26 - March 4 in the library and library computer lab conducting research for our projects. Please meet in B35 for attendance. It is YOUR responsibility to check in with me if you are missing class for a school related activity.
Everyone will do the following DUE TUESDAY, March 4, 2018:
1. Write a paper on the topic MORE than one and a half pages in length (typed, double-spaced, worth 20 test points)
2. Prepare a 4-8 minute presentation in front of the class (worth 30 test points).
3. Use at least two documented references (at least one be a formal publication) in proper bibliographical format.
In your report, be creative, informative, and entertaining. Include any interesting stories about the person’s:
1. Life and death
2. Major mathematical contributions and major works
3. Historical/cultural environment
4. Contemporaries, colleagues, adversaries and/or enemies
5. Contributions/ work aside from mathematics
6. Any amusing or memorable anecdotes
***If you choose to use PowerPoint or Google Presentations for your presentation, you MUST email me your file BEFORE class on March 4. I will NOT accept any disks or thumb drives.
Topics (in no particular order)
1. Carl Friedrich Gauss 11. Leonardo de Pisa (Fibonacci)
2. Leonhard Euler 12. Sir Isaac Newton
3. Girolamo Cardano 13. Evarist Galois
4. Niccolo Tartaglia 14. Euclid
5. John Napier 15. Rene Descartes
6. Blaise Pascale 16. Al-Khwarizmi
7. Pythagoras (or the Pythagorean Society) 17. Sophie Germain
8. Archimedes 18. Diophantus
9. Pierre de Fermat
10. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
An in-class quiz will be given based on the class presentations.
