The broad topic for this assignment is “Connecting Math to the Real World.” The final project will include an annotated bibliography and a final paper. This project needs to be done using MLA citation style which means that each part should be typed double-spaced using 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins. The following website is a useful resource, https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html (Links to an external site.).
Step I: Pick a topic you might be interested in researching.
Thousands of topics exist which could make a good paper. The key to success is to select a subject that you find interesting. Ideally, picking a topic related to your major or to a favorite hobby will make the process more enjoyable for you. Once you pick your topic, your paper should investigate some aspect of how mathematics is used by or is found in that subject. Feel free to talk with me if you are struggling to pick a topic.
Step 2: Find Resources
For this step, you will need to identify three potential sources for your paper. This will involve utilizing the library’s resources, so plan accordingly. You will need to utilize at least 3 sources in your final paper. They MUST be comprised of the following:
A published book which is NOT your text book.
A relatively current periodical (magazine, newspaper, or journal) article.
A third reliable source which could include any of the following:
An additional book or periodical article.
A website which is well documented (but not Wikipedia or similar sites)
The text book for this class.
Step 3: Annotated Bibliography
For each of your sources write the following:
The correct MLA citation information
A short paragraph about the source. Explain why you think the author is credible, why the material is college level, and why it will be useful for the topic you are going to be writing about. If it is not clear from the citation, you might want to add information about what type of source each one is. (Note: Please make sure you examine your sources and think they will work well. If you need to change sources in the middle of the process you will need to get approval for the new source.
Step 4: Write a formal essay
I am specifically looking for well-organized papers which have strong thesis statements and good supports. Your paper should include an introductory and concluding paragraph. As you work, remember you will need to produce an essay which is between 3 to 4 pages in length. While some ideas are best explained using a diagram, table or image, your page count does NOT include these. If you are going to use one, please label them as appendixes and say “see Appendix ___” in your document. This will help you keep track of the true length of your paper. If you are only using 3 sheets and it is not all the way full, you have only produced 2 ½ pages and are not between 3 to 4 pages.
As you create your final product, please remember the target audience for your paper will be one of your Math 105 classmates and should be written with them in mind. This means if I were to hand your paper to another student in the class, they would not get confused by complex calculations or bored with overly simplistic ones.
Remember that in a formal paper you should not use any contractions or abbreviations. I will be evaluating your grammar, so you should adhere to the rules of good writing. I highly recommend getting a classmate or friend to read your final work before submitting it.
You will submit your final paper to me as a typed document. The following list is a checklist of what should be included:
A title page
3 to 4 pages of text (this count does not include headings, tables, diagrams or images)
Any needed appendices with tables, diagrams or images
An annotated bibliography page
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