Historical Mathematicians: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

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Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: rmc at 20/10/2014 1:05:34 PM
Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: rmc at 20/10/2014 11:55:18 AM

The maths that we learn in school and that we use in everyday life can often seem to be straight-forward and obvious to us. But it wasn't always like this. Someone somewhere in the past saw a need to create these mathematical tools that you are using now, in order to make their and, by extension, your life easier. 

You are to choose a "Historical Mathematician", from the list linked below, and do some research on them in order to find out more about their achievements, when they lived and what they were like.

 You should make a note of where you find your information so that you can reference it later on when you make a presentation (see below).

If there is another mathematician you would like to research that isn't on the list  you should approach your teacher and negotiate having them added.

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: rmc at 20/10/2014 11:51:32 AM
 

Your Task:
You will select a mathematician from the list and begin researching about their life and achievements.
You will be given 2 periods of class time to research and create a presentation about your chosen mathematician.

The presentation:
You will give a 4 minute presentation about your chosen mathematician. It is recommended that you make a PowerPoint presentation but you may choose to make a speech, create a video or teach a mini-lesson using the whiteboard or handouts. If you make handouts they must be a tool for your presentation, not a replacement for it! If you are unsure if your method of presentation will be okay ask your teacher! Your teacher will bring a projector.

Things you must do:

  • =         The presentation must last for 4 minutes, you will be timed.
  • =         The presentation must include a brief history of the mathematician and what they are famous for. Consider what time they lived and the culture of the time.
  • =         Something interesting. Whether this is a funny story about the mathematician or something strange about them or something else, is up to you.
  • =         You must try to explain what some of the mathematics they used was about and if possible how to do it (if time permits).
  • =         If you choose to show someone else’s work (such as a YouTube video) as part of your presentation it cannot last more than 90 seconds (total for the whole presentation).
  • =         Have all parts of your presentation ready to go straight away when it is your turn.
     
  • You must include at least 3 references in a bibliography to be given to your teacher.