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%2) Add grammar into the grading rubric.\\


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{\Huge{Project}}                       & {\Huge{TMATH 402}}\\
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\noindent 
The reason why: By the end of this project you will have
\begin{packed_enum}
\item applied techniques covered in class to a new topic without the direct aide from a teacher, and
\item developed technical writing skills.
\end{packed_enum}

Beginning in week five you will start periodically working on your own research topics outside of class.  The project will center around a direct application of abstract algebra and requires the completion of a paper, portfolio, and poster.  You may select a topic from the list below or choose your own topic. 


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\noindent \large{Tentative Timeline:}
\normalsize
\begin{packed_enum}
\item Week 4:1/26 In class writing activity: Come to class with two or three topics you are considering for your project.  You need not have decided on a topic, but you should have a short list of interests.


%\blue{At the end of class, there is a 5 min focused freewrite on the topics that the students are most interested in.  Five minutes is then given for them to read their work, synthesis what they wrote, and choose which topic they are most likely to pursue. Topics are collected (along with the associated student name) on the board and students are encouraged to approach each other and form groups. Instruct students to turn in freewrite so you can check the topics.}
\item Week 5: 2/2 In class writing activity: Decide on a topic be the beginning of class.

%\blue{At the end of class, students individually create a concept map for 5 min. around their topic choice.  Students then move into groups and use their brainstorming work to build a to-do list. This to-do list will turn into a log that will be updated in a week.  It must contain certain dates such as those listed below.  The list/log should be specific to the topic and if the work is to be divided up, this should be recorded.  Tell them to hold onto the list/log and update it regularly as it will be included in the portfolio.}

%\blue{Following week hand out \emph{my} grading rubric.  Provide time at the end of class for groups to update log/to-do list.}

\item Week 7: 2/16 Draft due:  Bring \emph{two} copies of your paper to class.  One will be turned in to me and the other will exchanged with a peer in the class.   Each person will then review a paper, fill out the grading rubric, and provide general feedback.  The reviews will be returned at the start of class on 2/21.  Keep a copy of your review as it must be included in the portfolio.
%\blue{Have them turn this in at the start of class and make sure that you know who you'd like to review each paper. Provide another copy of the grading rubric.}

\item Week 8:  Poster session: Date and location to be announced.

\item Week 10: 3/8 Final paper due.
\item Week 11: 3/13 Portfolio is due.  
\end{packed_enum}

\noindent \large{Potential Topics:}\normalsize%blue{consider eliminating references to the text}
 
\begin{packed_itemize}
\item Check-digits (e.g. driver's license \#, money orders, credit card \#)
\item Puzzels (e.g. 15 puzzle, Rubric cube) %pg 116 Gallian
\item Secrete codes using modular arithmetic 
\item Symmetry in chemistry (e.g. crystals)
\item Card tricks %page 72 of Gallian & 115
\item Bell ringing
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\noindent \large{Paper Specifications:}
\normalsize
The writing component is minimally a five page single space paper in size 12 font. The paper is expected to be written clearly and be free of grammatical mistakes. Papers with the proper formatting will be handed out that can be used as examples of technical writing  You may use either the APA style or IEEE for your work cited.  The paper must include:

\begin{packed_enum}
\item An abstract that gives a clear, concise description of the paper in less than 100 words.  (I will count the words!) 
\item At least two pages to serve as an introduction to the topic being discussed.  Included in this introduction should be precise definitions and examples to help clarify any new concepts.  The audience for this paper will be your peers, so make sure you write at an appropriate level.  
\item A few problems/examples completed and clearly written up.  The problems must be your own examples and not simply following those provided by your sources. The solutions need not be shown in their entirely, but must include a few key steps as well as an explanation of what the computation means.  
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 \noindent \large{Poster Specifications:}
\normalsize 
The poster should be a standard sized poster.  The audience will be general college students and thus the posters must include a basic introduction to your topic and at least one example.  Please make your posters flashy and attention grabbing but make sure the content is correct and well chosen.  A poster session will be held in week 8 and the precise time and location will be announced by the second week of class.    

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 \noindent \large{Portfolio Specifications:}
\normalsize 
The following must be collected, ordered as shown below, and turned in by the final exam on 3/13:
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\item The first in-class writing activity (1/26).
\item The activity log created on 2/2 and updated regularly.
\item The peer reviewed draft with rubric.
\item One page, typed response to the feedback on your draft.
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