Midterm Essay Thoughts For the midterm paper there

Midterm Essay Thoughts • For the midterm paper there a variety of options. You can write an essay related to a topic covered in class, or you can solve a problem that requires mathematical thinking, or something that is intermediate, where you need to explain some mathematical concept to make your point, and then go on to a more general discussion. • You can do something completely different that uses the skills that you have learnt so far. • Regardless of whether you take a more mathematical project or an essay, it is important that you don't just copy out things you found: be imaginative! The most important part of the midterm essay is to choose something that is of interest to you. • As a guide the essays should be around seven or eight pages long. • You can work with others if you like (but the result should be reflective of this).

Midterm Essay Thoughts • For projects that are related to the topics covered in the lectures, they should be just that - i. e. , related but not the same as that covered in the lectures. • For any topic you choose you should make sure you emphasize why mathematics is important, explain clearly what you have discovered, and how you did it, and give your conclusions. • In every case, you MUST mention all the sources you have used for your paper (and make sure that they are good ones!).

Grading • We will grade according to the following rubric: • • Mathematical content 25% Clarity of presentation of material 25% Level of engagement of essay 25% Overall effort that has been put in 25%

What could I do my midterm on? • You can do your midterm on anything that is related to mathematics in the real world. • There are some examples on the website that relate to the courses we have done already. • Other topics include: • mathematics in sports (cycling, hockey, baseball, cheerleading, …), • mathematics in films (e. g. , The Imitation Game, A Beautiful Mind), • technology (e. g. , Uber, Grub. Hub), • mathematics of baking, • mathematics in art, nature or music, • mathematics of online dating (search for Ted Talk on Hannah Fry), • mathematics of beauty, • social networks, • March Madness. • videos, • websites.