Math 104 - Term Project

Assigned August 23rd 4 p.m.
Part 1 Due September 24th 9 a.m.
Part 2 Due October 20th 9 a.m.
Part 3 Due November 19th 9 a.m.
Part 4 Due December 6th 9 a.m.

Overview

In this project, you and a partner will be researching a dataset using the tools and functions we have learned in class. You will use these tools to write a paper which makes a convincing argument based on the data you have collected, and give a 6 minute presentation on your findings to the class.

Part 1

Decide on an issue you are interested in and collect data for that issue, including at least a one-variable dataset and a two-variable dataset. Submit the following: all your datasets with the variables you are interested in clearly identified along with a short statement about what issue you wish to research.

This is due in class on Sep 24th.

Part 2

Determine what types of mathematical analysis would best suit your data. You may use any of the tools we have developed in class (bar charts, histograms, mean, median, scatter plots, average rate of change, regression analysis, linear models, and exponential models). Submit the following: your Part 1 material along with a list of tools you will be using. You must specify which variables you will be using. (For example, if you are researching voting in the U.S., you cannot say "I will use a scatter plot." Instead, be specific and say "I will create a scatter plot with years on the horizontal axis and percentage of registered voters voting on the vertical axis." )

This is due in class on October 20th.

Part 3

Create a draft that argues a thesis based on your data and analysis. Your paper should consist of the following:

Introductory material: You should introduce your issue and the point you are arguing
Supporting evidence: You should explain how the data you found supports your point by using the tools we have developed in class (bar charts, histograms, mean, median, scatter plots, average rate of change, regression analysis, linear models, and exponential models).
Conclusion: You should list the conclusions you can reach based on the data.
Bibliography: A list of your sources in a consistent format (I recommend MLA). If you are unsure how to cite web pages in this format, please talk with me

I would expect a well-written paper to be at least three pages (double space) not counting graphs. I would expect a well-written paper to contain a graph for each data set. The audience for this paper is citizens who are concerned about your issue but not familiar with the data you are presenting. You can assume your audience has a level of mathematical understanding similar to yours.

This is due in class on November 19th

Part 4

Turn in a final version of your Stage 3 draft.

This is due in class on December 6th.

Part 5

You and your partner will present your findings to the rest of the class in a 6 minute presentation. Your presentation should follow your paper, having an introduction to the topic, graphs and data analysis, and a conclusion.

These presentations will be on December 8th and 10th.

Evaluation

Part 1 (5 possible points):

You will earn all five points if:

You have a one-variable dataset
You have a two-variable dataset
All important variables are identified
You statement clearly indicates what are you are researching
Your work is pledged

You will lose one point for each item that is missing above.

Part 2 (5 possible points):

You will earn all five points if:

You us a variety of different tools for both one variable and two variable datasets.
Your description f the tools clearly identifies the variables
Your work is pledged.

You will lose points if any of these are missing

Part 3 and 4 (20 points)

For both the draft and the final version, I will use the below rubric. If your draft score is at least eight points, I will give you the higher of the two scores. Otherwise, I will average the two scores.

Thesis (4 possible points)
- 4 points: The argued thesis is clearly stated and worthy of argument.
- 3 points: The argued thesis is clearly stated but would not invite debate.
- 2 points: There is evidence of a thesis, but it is not clearly stated.
- 0 points: No evidence of a thesis.
Support for the thesis (5 possible points)
- 5 points: The thesis is richly and directly supported with almost all relevant mathematical tools being used. Arguments against the thesis are addressed.
- 4 points: The thesis is strongly supported with most mathematical tools being used. Supporting arguments are mostly clear, and there is some attempt to address arguments against the thesis.
- 3 points: The thesis is supported with some mathematical tools. The supporting arguments are somewhat clear. Few arguments against the thesis are addressed.
- 2 points: Mathematical tools are used, but not in a way that supports the thesis. Supporting arguments are present, but hard to follow.
- 0 points: No mathematical support for the thesis is given.
Mathematical work (5 possible points)
- 5 points: There are at most slight errors in the mathematics. All mathematical work is clearly shown. Graphs are labeled and easy to read.
- 4 points: There are at most slight errors in the mathematics. All mathematical work is clearly shown. Graphs may lack some detail.
- 3 points: There are some serious errors in the mathematics. Work is present, but possibly hard to follow. Graphs are hard to follow.
- 2 points: There are many serious errors in the mathematics. Work is very hard to follow.
- 0 points: Evidence of calculations is not presented.
Grammatical Issues (4 points possible)
- 4 points: There are no spelling or grammatical errors (run-on sentences, fragments, etc.) Ideas are clearly stated with no transition problems.
- 3 points: There are minor spelling or grammatical problems. The prose shows jumps from topic to topic.
- 2 points: There are several serious spelling or grammatical problems. The prose does not show the progression of an argument.
- 0 points: There are many serious spelling and grammatical problems.
Bibliography and Pledge (2 possible points)
- 2 points: The documentation follows a consistent format with at most minor mistakes and shows all possible information needed. The work is pledged.
- 1 point: The documentation follows a consistent format with some mistakes or omissions that make it difficult to find the source cited.
- 0 points: The documentation does not follow a consistent format or the work is not pledged.

Part 5 (15 points)

Introduction (5 possible points)
- 5 points: The argued thesis is clearly stated and worthy of argument.
- 4 points: The argued thesis is clearly stated but would not invite debate.
- 2 points: The topic is briefly discussed.
- 0 points: No evidence of an introduction.
Mathematical Work (5 possible points)
Conclusion and Questions (5 possible points)

Resources

The following books and websites may be good places to start finding datasets. I have put a great deal of emphasis on recent works on controversial issues that advance an argument; these are good models for you to follow in your paper.

A Population History of the United States, Herbert S. Klein
Is Geography Destiny? : Lessons From Latin America, John Luke Gallup, Alejandro Gaviria, Eduardo Lora.
Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community, Robert D. Putnam.
The Millenials : Americans Born 1977 to 1994, by the New Strategist editors.
Women and the Economy : A Reader, edited by Ellen Mutari and Deborah M. Figart.
The Economics of Gender, Joyce P. Jacobsen.
Glass Ceilings and Bottomless Pits : Women's Work, Women's Poverty, Randy Albelda and Chris Tilly.
Gambling Politics : State Government and the Business of Betting, Patrick A. Pierce, Donald E. Miller.
Why America Stopped Voting : The Decline of Participatory Democracy and the Emergence of Modern American Politics, Mark Lawrence Kornbluh.
Gun Violence: The Real Costs, Philip J. Cook
Dying To Win : The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism, Robert Anthony Pape.
The State of the Nation : Government and the Quest for a Better Society, Derek Curtis Bok.
The New American Voter, Warren E. Miller.
The VAst Left Wing Conspiracy : The Untold Story of how Democratic Operatives, Eccentric Billionares, Liberal Activists, and Assorted Celebrities Tried to Bring Down a President : And Why They'll Try Even Harder Next Time, Byron York
The Judas Economy : The Triumph of Capital and the Betrayal of Work, William Wolman and Anne Colamosca
An Incovienent Truth : The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It, Albert Gore
Doingbusiness : Benchmarking Business Regulations, World Bank, http://www.doingbusiness.org
Immigration Enforcement Actions : 2004, Mary Dougherty, Denise Wilson and Amy Wu, http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/shared/statistics/publications/AnnualReportEnforcement2004.pdf