Writing across the Curriculum Paper - Spring

Due date: April 20th, 2009

This paper is worth 100 points in your math class, plus it is also graded for Writing Across the Curriculum by Mrs. Frank.

Algebra I Topic: “If I lived in a world without mathematics…” What would such a world be like? How would you live? What changes would there be? How would it affect your understanding of spiritual things? 2 to 5 pages, double-spaced and typed.

Trigonometry Topic: The Horatio Hornblower novels of Forester, as well as the Master and Commander novels of Patrick O’Brien used trigonometry in navigation. George Washington was a well-known surveyor before becoming a politician, the steam engine was ultimately based upon motion described by sin functions, and the Space Program would not have happened without trigonometry. Explain how trigonometry will affect your life and behavior either directly or indirectly (perhaps by using a detailed metaphor, spiritual or otherwise.) 3 to 6 pages, double-spaced and typed.

Pre-Calculus Topic: If you were a function, what would it be and why? (Get creative.) Be sure to explain your choice of variables, constants, and mathematical operations, and how they relate to you and your life. 3 to 6 pages, double-spaced and typed.

Calculus Topic: In the “snowflake” parametric curve, we found that an infinitely long and infinitely complex perimeter could be packed into a finite-sized circular region. The Mandelbrot set also demonstrates this with beauty. How does this concept – infinite complexity in a finite region - change your perspective on your life, the Universe, and your spiritual understanding? Feel free to expand the concept as needed. 4 to 8 pages, double-spaced and typed.

- Mr Boley