8 Algebra Independent Study Reading Project.doc

8 Algebra Independent Study Reading Project: Due May 4, 2011

Task: To read and present a report on a mathematical book, focusing on the mathematical aspects of the book.

Steps:

Choose a book from the library selection.
Read the book in its entirety.
Select a means of reporting on the book and the mathematical aspects of the novel:

Report Options:

Create a poster illustrating the book and a mathematical part of the book. Include a written explanation.
Build a miniature stage setting of a scene in the book and a mathematical part of the book. Include a written explanation of the scene.
Make several original sketches (3 to 5) of some of the scenes of the book and a mathematical part of the book. Label them and provide written explanations.
Construct a diorama (3-D scene which includes models of people, buildings, plants, animals, etc.) of a scene in the book, including a mathematical part of the book. Include a written explanation.
Create a mini comic book/graphic novel relating a chapter of the book, including a mathematical part of the book.
Make a cross-word puzzle using vocabulary from the book, using at least 30 words in total, at least 10 words that are mathematical, and a glossary.
Partner with one or two other students to create a video version of Masterpiece Book Review (a television show which reviews books and interviews authors). Include information about the novel as well as its mathematical connections.
Write a book review for the Knightly News including information on the mathematical aspects of the novel.
Partner with one or two other students to be a reporter and give a report of a scene from the book, including mathematical applications, as it is happening LIVE!

Categories	10 Points	8 Points	6 Points	4 Points	2 Points
Task Completion	Task is fully complete and fully demonstrates description	Task is mostly complete and mostly demonstrates description.	Task is partially complete and partially demonstrates description.	Task is incomplete complete or does not demonstrates description.	Task is incomplete complete and does not demonstrates description.
Mathematical Connection	Connection is clearly and fully presented, explained, and examined.	Connection is either partially clear or partially presented, partially explained, or partially examined.	Connection is either partially clear and partially presented, partially explained, and partially examined.	Connection is not partially clear or not presented, or not explained, or not examined.	Connection is not partially clear and not presented, and not explained, and not examined.
Comprehension	Story and mathematical connection meaning and plot is fully expressed.	Story and mathematical connection meaning and plot is partially expressed.	Story or mathematical connection meaning and plot are not expressed.	Story and mathematical connection meaning and plot are not expressed.	Story or mathematical connection meaning and plot are fictitiously expressed.
Communication	Story and mathematical connection meaning and plot is fully communicated	Story and mathematical connection meaning and plot is partially communicated.	Story or mathematical connection meaning and plot are not communicated.	Story and mathematical connection meaning and plot are not communicated.	Story or mathematical connection meaning and plot are fictitiously communicated.
Effort	Extraordinary effort is apparent.	Better than average effort is apparent.	Average effort is apparent.	Some effort is apparent.	No effort is apparent.
Quality	Extraordinary quality is apparent.	Better than average quality is apparent.	Average quality is apparent.	Some quality is apparent.	No quality is apparent.