Precalculus Honors Project

Spring 2015
"Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe." ~
Galileo
Throughout the centuries, mathematicians and philosophers have debated
the profound question: Does mathematics exist intrinsically in our natural
world, or have human beings invented mathematics? What do you think?
Why?

Your responsibilities:

Watch the following short video to introduce you to the topic: Is math
discovered or invented? by Jeff Dekofsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_xR5Kes4Rs

Research the topic, finding arguments on both sides

Take a stance of your own and find supporting examples

Write a 5 page (minimum) research paper

Develop and give a 5-minute presentation to your peers, including a

visual representation of your work

Criteria for Research Paper

Clearly state your stance on the question.

Cite a prominent academic who shares your stance.
Provide at least 5 specific examples of topics/branches of mathematics that support your
stance.
At least 2 of the 5 examples you provide should come from our Precalculus class.
At least 1 of the 5 examples you provide should be related to Engineering,
preferably Aerospace or Hydrospace Engineering
Cite all resources using an appropriate APA citation format (more resources on this to
follow)
Gather information from AT LEAST 4 reliable sources.
Though this is a resource paper, the stance must be your own, supported by the sources
you cite. Direct quotations should be limited the words in your paper should be
mostly your own. Any idea that is not entirely your own must be cited.

Criteria for the Presentation

 Highlight and summarize the main points of your research

Include a visual component, eg. Poster board, slideshow (PowerPoint, Prezi, etc.) or
actual tangible objects
You should NOT read directly from your paper or notes
Sample Topics
You may choose to discuss one or more of the following topics in your paper:

Eulers number (e)

Trigonometric Waves
Golden Ratio
Fibonacci numbers

We will have a number of after-school check-in meetings after which you must arrange
transportation home.
The final project grade will be a combination of all of these aspects.
Due Dates and Dates of After-School Meetings
Date

Product

Friday,
4/24/15

Students come prepared with three sources related to the

project. Students should be prepared to debate with other
students using the three sources and stating their stance on
the driving question.

Tuesday,
5/5/15

Students attend an after-school workshop on APA formatting.

Students come prepared to discuss their individual papers.

Friday,
5/22/15

Students submit a written 1st draft of their paper

incorporating their sources. Students will receive feedback on
draft within a week of submission.

Friday,
6/5/15

Final paper is due.

Monday,
6/8/15

Students submit an outline of their visual presentation.

Thursday,
6/11/15

Students deliver visual presentations after school.