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3D Project

3D Calculus Project
 

Goals:

 

  • Explore calculus in 3D.
  • Have fun.
  • Recognize fundamental underpinnings of Calculus in mutliple dimensions.

Deadlines:

  • Friday, May 15— Instructor approval due.
  • Friday, May 22— Rough draft/outline due.
  • Friday, May 29 — Final project and writeup due.

 

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Learning Targets
 
  1. Understand principles of 3D graphing
    • types of graphs: functions, implicit surfaces, parametric surfaces, polar surfaces, vector fields, etc.
    • types of coordinate systems: Cartesian, cylindrical, spherical
    • variable contraints: domain, range, parameters, etc.

  2. Understand cross sections of 3D graphing

  3. Understand principles of infinite sums for 3D models

  4. Understand principles of extrema in 3D

  5. Understand principles of quality work
    • construction
    • communications

 

 

Stage 1 - Investigate and Explore
 
  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 15— Instructor approval due.
Be sure you write up a short bit on your curve (it's equation for example) and why you like it.

 

Stage 2 - Think and Understand
 
  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 22— Rough draft/outline due.
Rubric scoring specifics can be found here

 

Stage 3 - Build and Explain
 
  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.
  2. Write up an analysis of your project. A multi page analysis will be required to show the construction process of your model the role of calculus in your model. (See grading below for details.)

 

Due date: Friday, May 29 — Final project and writeup due.
Rubric scoring specifics can be found here

 

 

 

Submitting Your Work

  1. Please bring your model to class for grading.
  2. Please email your written analysis to your instructor (Mr. Brown or Mr. Crawford ).
    Be sure to save your document with your name included (e.g. "Jared.3Dproject.doc").
    You also may hand in your write up.

 

 

 

 

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