Choose a mathematical topic that interests you; e.g. creating fractals, a question about the game Set, angle trisection, a ruler and compass construction of a pentagon, a comparison of ruler and compass vs. paper folding, non-Euclidean geometry, regular polyhedra, four dimensional polyhedra, or transformations that are not isometries. Prepare a fifteen minute presentation on that topic for the class to be given at the beginning of November. The midterm project will be graded on a scale of 0 to 20 on content, interest and presentation as indicated in the tables below. A score of 16 or above is an A, while a score of 13 would be a B.
Grade | Content |
10 | Presentation touches on unsolved problems or advanced topics in mathematics. |
8 | Presentation includes an interesting fact about history or applications, clearly defines the topic of interest, and improves the audience's understanding of that topic (e.g. through a calculation or proof). |
5 | Presentation defines the topic of interest but either fails to include history/application or improve the audience's understanding of the topic. |
3 | It is not clear from the presentation what topic was chosen, or the only thing clear from the presentation is what the subject is. |
0 | There is no presentation. |
Grade | Interest | Presentation |
5 | The audience is engaged and excited by a fascinating historical anecdote a clever example or an open problem. | Presenter speaks smoothly making eye contact with the audience. All handouts and slides are of high quality and presentation fits in the time alotted. |
4 | The presentation is never boring and the audience is able to follow the mathematical arguments presented. | Presentation fits in the time alotted and presenter appears to have practiced the presentation and prepared handouts and slides well in advance. |
3 | The presentation is briefly confusing, unclear or boring. | The presentation runs slightly over or under the time allowance, the presenter spends a noticeable amount of time referring to notes, or handouts and slides seem hastily prepared. |
2 | There are several confusing, unclear or boring stretches in the presentation. | Presentation is significantly too long or too short, the presenter has difficulty remembering what to say, handouts or slides are needed but not present. |
0 | Presentation does not occur. | Presentation is unintelligible. |