Sam Martinez |
Mathematics 2014-2015 Semester 1...
The last project, although I did not enjoy it, was very helpful. By being obligated to create math problems that work out properly I had to gain a better understanding of how different concepts worked. Without completing this project I do not think I would have learned as much from the units we studied. Over-all, even though I did not enjoy the project, I am thankful and rather glad that I completed this assignment. Now that I have a better understanding I can hopefully perform better on the semester exam.
To study for my semester exam I have completed problems from the study review sheet, went over notes from class, attempted to reconstruct my understanding of concepts studied this semester that I previously struggled with, and most importantly try not to stress out to much. Especially in testing situations, if I overthink or stress myself out I make fundamental mistakes I would not make if I was other wise calm. Hopefully I can pass this semester exam.
Over-all, the semester went well. I learned more from this year in Algebra 2 than I have any of my other years of Algebra 2, or any other year in a math class. I learned that I am strong with many ideas of Algebra 2 but I struggle with concepts like Absolute Value, graphing parabolas, and perhaps another concept or two. Despite my struggles, I am pleased with my performance in math this semester, as it has been better than any previous math performance I have had.
Update 4/7/2015
The project that I plan to exhibit is the "Polynomial and Art" project. I have chosen to exhibit this project because I see it as my most quality project and it shows what I have learned thus far in this Algebra II course. I have learned a great deal about exponential growth and graphing. I have also learned a lot about irrational numbers and how they play into mathematics. While completing this project I learned how to construct a polynomial and how to determine zero's on a graph. I feel the "Polynomial and Art" project to be my strongest of the year for this class.
Update 5/4/2015
Project Reflection-
This project was done to help me, as a student, learn how to convert a polynomial from expanded form to factored form, to help me learn how to graph polynomials, and to develop my general math skills. In this project I had to take a picture with identifiable, natural, polynomials, and then figure out the equations for these polynomials. I used an image of a roller coaster as my original image. I found the expanded and factored form of two polynomials identified in my image, finally I created own piece of art with the polynomials I found in the original picture. For my final, artistic creation I created a Crayola marker piece, depicting a mountain range with a river and a tree at the bottom. If I could change this project there would be no graded art portion, you would only have to find one polynomial, and I would attempt to make the project more applicable to the real world and the lives of the students.
To study for my semester exam I have completed problems from the study review sheet, went over notes from class, attempted to reconstruct my understanding of concepts studied this semester that I previously struggled with, and most importantly try not to stress out to much. Especially in testing situations, if I overthink or stress myself out I make fundamental mistakes I would not make if I was other wise calm. Hopefully I can pass this semester exam.
Over-all, the semester went well. I learned more from this year in Algebra 2 than I have any of my other years of Algebra 2, or any other year in a math class. I learned that I am strong with many ideas of Algebra 2 but I struggle with concepts like Absolute Value, graphing parabolas, and perhaps another concept or two. Despite my struggles, I am pleased with my performance in math this semester, as it has been better than any previous math performance I have had.
Update 4/7/2015
The project that I plan to exhibit is the "Polynomial and Art" project. I have chosen to exhibit this project because I see it as my most quality project and it shows what I have learned thus far in this Algebra II course. I have learned a great deal about exponential growth and graphing. I have also learned a lot about irrational numbers and how they play into mathematics. While completing this project I learned how to construct a polynomial and how to determine zero's on a graph. I feel the "Polynomial and Art" project to be my strongest of the year for this class.
Update 5/4/2015
Project Reflection-
This project was done to help me, as a student, learn how to convert a polynomial from expanded form to factored form, to help me learn how to graph polynomials, and to develop my general math skills. In this project I had to take a picture with identifiable, natural, polynomials, and then figure out the equations for these polynomials. I used an image of a roller coaster as my original image. I found the expanded and factored form of two polynomials identified in my image, finally I created own piece of art with the polynomials I found in the original picture. For my final, artistic creation I created a Crayola marker piece, depicting a mountain range with a river and a tree at the bottom. If I could change this project there would be no graded art portion, you would only have to find one polynomial, and I would attempt to make the project more applicable to the real world and the lives of the students.
- What would you do differently if you were
exhibiting your project again?
Honestly, I would not do anything differently. Despite the fact that I was unsatisfied with how exhibition went, it had nothing to do with my actions. Not a single person came by and looked at my project, let alone speak to me about my project. It was a waste of my time because I was able to exhibit nothing.
- What do you see as your greatest strengths and
weaknesses moving forward into future math classes?
Moving forward in math, I know that math is a big weakness for me. My strengths in math are adding and subtracting and I won’t be taking many more math classes in my future.