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Solve it with the Computer! Spring 2000
ProjectsGroup projectStudents will form groups of 2 or 3 students. The group will find an advertisement or publication that includes quantitative aspects. For example, an advertisement might state that when people buy a new car, they can get 1.9% financing or $1000 cash back. A newspaper story may discuss budgets or provide "formulas" for governmental budget, financial or health issues.The group is to develop a spreadsheet that will allow further consideration of the quantitative issues involved. For example, it could be designed to help a person decide if getting special rate financing or cash back would be better for them. It may provide a means to detail the budget or provide alternatives. It may provide tables or charts that allow an individual to interpret the formulas. The project proposal should include a copy of the advertisement or publication and explain the purpose of the proposed spreadsheet. After the proposal is approved and signed by the instructor, it becomes a contract for the project. The group will turn in the signed contract, a paper copy for the formatted spreadsheet, a printed set formulas, and a disk that allows the instructor to explore the spreadsheet on the project due date. The group will give a 5 minute presentation of their project. They will discuss the project goals and demonstrate the spreadsheet's use. As time permits they are encouraged to share and special problems they overcame in developing the spreadsheet. Group members should share in the presentation. The project will be graded on the basis of accuracy(40%), usefulness to variety of users and generality(20%), difficulty(20%), and the presentation(20%).
Individual projectStudents will complete an individual project for this class which should be designed to demonstrate their ability in mathematical problem solving and use of a spreadsheet. The project may be something that you have always wanted to do to save time and energy ("I wish I had a ..."). It might involve a mathematical analysis for another class or for your job. Some of the advanced problems in the text might give you an idea.The project proposal will discuss the problem to be solved and give some idea about the spreadsheet that will be developed. Students are encouraged to discuss prospective topics with your instructor prior before the proposal is submitted. After the proposal is approved and signed by the instructor, it becomes a contract for the project. The student will turn in the signed contract, a paper copy for the formatted spreadsheet, a printed set formulas, and a disk that allows the instructor to explore the spreadsheet on the project due date. Students will give a 5 minute presentation of their project. They will discuss the project goals and demonstrate the spreadsheet's use. As time permits they are encouraged to share and special problems they overcame in developing the spreadsheet. The project will be graded on the basis of accuracy(42%), usefulness to variety of users and generality (17%), difficulty (25%), and the presentation (17%).
For more information, contact James Brink Last Updated: 2/25/00
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