Guidelines for Mathematics Projects
(Note - judges rubric contains point values for each of the following components, if a component is not present, no points will be awarded)
"Scientists try to understand how nature works; engineers create things that never were." Mathematics projects involve proofs, solving equations, etc. Math is the language of science and is used to explain existing phenomena or prove new concepts and ideas.
A good way to plan out your Mathematics Project is to follow the list below (it is usually a combination of the science and engineering processes):
Ask - "How can I use math to make this better"? or "Does the existing math work for this problem"? Mathematicians/engineers/scientists use math to solve many of today's problems.
Perform background research - Find out if anything has already been done or developed to answer your question. What makes them strong or weak solutions?
Specify requirements - Your problem's solution must do or perform certain ways. List these as performance items. How well will your solution work?
Create alternate solutions - There has to be at least three ways to solve your problem. You will test your designs and decide which one is the most effective. The more designs you have, the more your prototype becomes perfected.
Make a materials list with your preliminary designs - consider costs, manufacturing, and user requirements.
Build and test a prototype - consider reliability, repair, and servicing. Take note of these things for your data book
Retest and redesign - If you need to.
Conclude - create a display to communicate which of your designs was the most effective Why?
