The Mathematical Exploration
What is an exploration?
My way of torturing you....muahahahaha. Just Kidding :) A mathematical Exploration gives you an opportunity to make connections - between the world around you and this thing we call math. Even though the math that we do in the classroom seems abstract - it does have many, many applications - and most likely an application in a subject area that you hold dear to your heart (i.e. video games, music, nature, sportz). Your exploration will be about 6-12 pages in length, and will include diagrams, pictures, and your own thoughts. This doesn't have to be something crazy - however it does have to be interesting - and it does have to be accessible for your peers (meaning someone else in the class SHOULD be able to read your work and understand what you are communicating) I have faith that these papers will be amazing - go in with a positive attitude, and NO PROCRASTINATING ALLOWED!!
My way of torturing you....muahahahaha. Just Kidding :) A mathematical Exploration gives you an opportunity to make connections - between the world around you and this thing we call math. Even though the math that we do in the classroom seems abstract - it does have many, many applications - and most likely an application in a subject area that you hold dear to your heart (i.e. video games, music, nature, sportz). Your exploration will be about 6-12 pages in length, and will include diagrams, pictures, and your own thoughts. This doesn't have to be something crazy - however it does have to be interesting - and it does have to be accessible for your peers (meaning someone else in the class SHOULD be able to read your work and understand what you are communicating) I have faith that these papers will be amazing - go in with a positive attitude, and NO PROCRASTINATING ALLOWED!!
What should I explore?
Click the link to see a group of ideas for exploration. I suggest that you search for sources prior to solidifying your topic. Pick a general area of interest, and see if you can find valid research/sources that pertain to this topic that interest you. Is there math in there that you can understand? Does your topic serve as a springboard for future research in mathematics? How can you add your own spin to the topic to make it your own
How do I find resources?
Gale Databases - username/password: Hiltonhs
JSTOR - Make up your own
Google Scholar - just google google scholar :)
Click the link to see a group of ideas for exploration. I suggest that you search for sources prior to solidifying your topic. Pick a general area of interest, and see if you can find valid research/sources that pertain to this topic that interest you. Is there math in there that you can understand? Does your topic serve as a springboard for future research in mathematics? How can you add your own spin to the topic to make it your own
How do I find resources?
Gale Databases - username/password: Hiltonhs
JSTOR - Make up your own
Google Scholar - just google google scholar :)
Are there More Explorations I can read?
Looking for more "SAMPLES" and want to see how the IB people scored them? Follow the link at the button to the right.. How should I Cite my References? We will be using APA format for this paper. I suggest you use Purdue Owl to help you understand how to cite your sources. This is important. Here are some resources: |
How do I get my Score?
IB Assessment Criteria (Rubric) - Please Check this before turning in your IA |
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TIMELINE!
When things are due....etc.
- 11/6 - Open the Resources template and save it into your google drive and share it with me!. As you creep on the internets, save any resources you might be interested in using in your exploration here so that you have everything organized.
11/7-11/20 - ORGANIZE! Organize your information into sections of your paper. What "quotes" will go where?
- 1/23- Draft of your exploration is due - SHARED WITH ME ON GOOGLE DOCS by 11:59pm. this will be a quiz grade. You can (and should) continue to work on your draft as you wait for my feedback. All feedback will be complete by 2/6. I know this is a long time - but it takes me about 30 mins/paper (often times more) to read, and give good, helpful feedback.
- 2/27- Exploration Due. Shared, in PDF form on Google Docs and printed (in color)- turned in during class. Please plan accordingly. There is a color printer in the library that you can use if you do not have one at home. I will not allow class time to print the exploration.
- Before turing in your EXPLORATION, be sure to do the following.
- Make a cover sheet for your exploration with your name, creative title for the Exploration, and IB Mathematics SL.
- Make sure each of your pages is numbered
- Proof read your exploration for any typos. Have someone else read your exploration to make sure that it reads well. Check your exploration for "conciseness" - you don't want the length to take away from your goal
- Set up your works cited page, and in text citations - use Purdue Owl to help you with formatting. Your paper will be cross checked for plagiarism, so please make sure you give credit where credit is due.
- Read the IB RUBRIC that I will be using to score your Exploration (it is at the top of this webpage) - if you do not sore at a high level in each of the categories, revise your paper as best you can to earn maximum points.
- Looking for more guidance - read the sample Explorations that are linked to at the top of this webpage. The IB score for each exploration is given with the sample paper.