Purpose/Introduction: In an effort to better understand the history and the people that have framed mathematics, each student will study one mathematician of their choosing and will prepare a brief written report and presentation for the class. Please select a mathematician on the accompanying Sign-Up sheet and write down who you chose and when your presentation will be.
Research:
At least 4 sources should be used (more is better). One of these sources should not be a website, and all websites used should be academic in nature (.edu and .gov are appropriate and no Wikis). You will need to include a bibliography in your written report and presentation.
Written Report
The written portion should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced, 12 font, MLA format. All grammar rules apply. It must be turned in the same day as your presentation. You should research (and explain) the following aspects of your mathematician’s life:
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Life span and time period that they lived in
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Family background (children, parents, spouses, culture/heritage etc.), region they lived in, an interesting historical event that occurred during their life (and how it may have impacted their contributions)
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Was the person a mathematician by background, or did they just happen to make contributions to math? How did they become interested in mathematics? What branches of math did they contribute to? Were they influential in any other subjects?
 Select and describe at least 3 of their major mathematical/scientific accomplishments (this should be the emphasis of your paper)
Presentation
 Presentations should be 10 minutes long (deviations from this length will result in a loss of points)
 You must have a visual aid: poster, PowerPoint, etc. Please let me know the week before if you will need anything other than a computer and projector for your presentation. If you will be using
PowerPoint, you must print out a copy of your slides for me.
 Do not read from your notes and try to minimize the number of words on your slides. Rehearsing your presentation beforehand is extremely helpful and highly suggested.
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Any files must be emailed or provided on flash drive/CD before class.
Grading
(A grading rubric is available upon request.)
Here are some general guidelines:
90-100% Student has included extra, relevant information. Presented in a creative and original manner. Meets time requirements.
80-90% All aspects are included. Minimum resources used. Meets time requirements.
70-80% A couple aspects are missing. Less than minimum resources used.
60-70% Many aspects are missing. Not enough/incorrect types of resources used. Does not meet time expectations.
Information available will differ depending on when your subject lived. Please see me if you are struggling with an aspect of the assignment. We can address general questions in class, but please reserve projectspecific questions for outside of class time.