Ferrismath.com

1. Explore 3D curves by using a computer graphing program. You will have access to the program "NuCalc" also called "Graphing Calculator" at Ferris. Play! Play! Play!
   DON'T FORGET TO LOOK AT THE "DEMO"!
2. Investigate how basic functions look in 3D. What does sine, cosine, square root, etc. do when you have x, y, and z variables? What about polar graphs?
3. Imagine how you might build a model of such curves.
4. Choose a curve that you think you would like to use for your project.

Due date: Friday, May 16— Instructor approval due.
Be sure you write up a short bit on your curve (it's equation for example) and why you like it.

1. Explore methods on how you might go about building a model of your curve.
2. Consider cross-sections with respect to different variables in your equation. See some examples of that here.
3. Consider "function heights". How could you build a model using function heights?
4. Think about how you might have fun building a model in some entertaining fashion.
5. Choose a process to build your model. Test drive your process and see if you like it and if it will work.
6. Write a rough draft which explains how you plan to build your model.
   

Due date: Friday, May 23— Rough draft/outline due.
Rubric scoring specifics can be found here

1. Build your model! Using whatever materials you'd like, build a model of your curve that meets the following conditions:
• It poses no safety hazard to yourself or others.
• It can easily fit through a classroom doorway.
• It could be packaged into a rectangular box whose volume does not exceed 30 cubic feet.

Due date: Friday, May 30 — Final project and writeup due.
Rubric scoring specifics can be found here

Your model and write-up will be graded according to the following criteria.

1. Your Model.
   • Quality (3 points)
   • Difficulty level (6 points)
   • Creativity (3 points)
   • Scale, axes representation, etc (3 points)
     
2. Your Write-up (including pictures and graphs)
   A multi page analysis will be required to show the construction process of your model the role of calculus in your model.
   Make it look sharp. Here's a tutorial on using/installing Microsoft's equation editor
   
   • Quality and clarity of work (3 points)
   • Difficulty level (3 points)
   • Explanation of the construction process (3 points)
   • Mathematical analysis (3 points)
     • For example, a general 3D curve analysis would include discussions of the following: domain, range, and "interesting" features of the curve.
     • For example, what type of functions or relations are in your model? For example, what do your variables mean/measure?
   • Specific explanation on the role of calculus (3 points)
     • For example, a general 3D curve analysis would include discussion and calculation of the volume of the model.
     • For example, how did you use dx, dy, dz, dΘ, or dr in your calculations and why did you know to use it.

    

   Rubric scoring specifics can be found here