Algebra 2 –Extra Credit Project Assignments
K. Liles
Pascal’s Triangle. What is “Pascal’s Triangle”? How is it used in Algebra? How is it constructed?
What are some of the patterns found within it?
Pi. What does the symbol p (“pi”) represent? Why is it so important? What is its history?
The Parabola. What is a “parabola”? What determines its shape? What is the geometric definition?
What are the properties of a parabola? What formulas are associated with these properties? When
does it show up in applications?
Fibonacci Numbers. 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, . . .What are the “Fibonacci Numbers”? How are they found?
Where in nature are Fibonacci patterns visible? Why are they interesting?
Mathematicians. Who are the people that developed the mathematics we use today? Choose a
historical figure in mathematics. What were his or her contributions to the subject? Be sure to
choose someone who worked with material you understand. What do professional mathematicians do
today? Who are they? What kinds of work do they do on a daily basis?
Math in the News. How is math used in everyday news reports on television, in newspapers, and in
magazines? Follow a particular news program and/or section of the newspaper for several days.
Record how numbers are used in reporting. What kinds of math are referred to the most? Which
stories generate the most mathematical analysis? Choose a story that uses math and follow it. Do
your own mathematical analysis to share with the class.
Time. How did we come to use the system of time that we use today? Does everyone measure time
the same way? What are different units of time? How were modern (analog and digital) clocks
invented? Include a historical discussion of time and culture.
Earthquakes. What causes earthquakes? The magnitude of an earthquake is modeled with a
logarithmic function. How are earthquakes measured and what scale is used? Discuss the history
of measuring earthquakes. Where are earthquakes studied? List at least three recent earthquakes
in different parts of the world. Can earthquakes be predicted?
Math in Art. Describe how math is used in art. Include information about artists who have
incorporated math into their art. Include any pictures of pieces of art that have mathematical
qualities.
If you have another idea you would like to research that is not listed, discuss the details with
me.
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You should cite all of your sources!
Use your own words. If any part of your paper is plagiarized, you will receive a zero.
The attached rubric will be used to grade your project. Write your name on it and turn it in
with your assignment.
Algebra 2 – Project Rubric
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Due May 23rd by the end of the day.
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You may turn it in May 16th for ten extra points.
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You may do a paper or a poster or a powerpoint.
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Be creative.
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If you turn in a poster, make it colorful and eye-catching.
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Your project should include:
Component
Topic-Who/What/When/Where:
Background and general information
Importance/Relevance:
Why is it important? How is
relevant? Is it still important
today?
Mathematics behind the topic:
What branch of mathematics does
your topic deal with? Can it be
modeled by any type of function we
have studied this semester (linear,
quadratic, exponential)? Be
specific!
Your project should be clear,
concise and correct (free of spelling
and grammatical errors). Use your
own words!
Creativity, neatness.
Include at least one graph or visual.
(If you do a paper it should include a
graph or visual that pertains to the
topic).
List of sources – I will check these!
Points
20
20
20
10
10
10
10