In this chapter, we present three dozen writing projects that we have used in mathematics courses ranging from precalculus to differential equations. Because we (the four authors) have such different writing styles, we group the project first by author and then by the course in which we assigned the project.

Readers should note, however, that many of the projects may be applicable to other courses. For example, some of the projects from early in Calculus I would work well in a Precalculus course, and some of the Calculus I projects may be just as appropriate for Calculus II, or vice versa, depending on the syllabus of the specific course.

For this reason, we have included introductory remarks with each project that we hope will help you determine if a project is right for your class. These include

1. • the key concepts of the project,

2. • the realism of the project, if any,

3. • the students' reactions to the project, including parts that they found especially challenging,

4. • any credits for the project, and

5. • the minimal technology required to complete the project.

We also include a brief solution to each project. (In Chapter 3, we present two full student solutions, along with comments on grading and giving feedback.)

The Case of the Dough for the Greenhouse

Annalisa Crannell

Calculus I

Concepts Translating from words into formulas; reading graphs

Realism Completely fabricated

Reactions This is the first in a six-part series.