Disciplines/Subjects: Mathematics, Art, Data Visualization
Key Themes: Polynomial Functions, Graph Analysis, Creativity and Personal Expression
The Birthday Polynomial Project invites learners to explore polynomial functions in a unique and personal way. Using the digits of their birthday, learners create a polynomial function and graph it to form an expressive, artistic representation. Through analysis, they identify the polynomial's mathematical properties, such as degree, leading coefficient, domain, range, relative extrema, and intervals of increase and decrease. Learners then incorporate creativity by turning their polynomial graphs into artistic representations that hold personal meaning, connecting mathematical concepts with self-expression.
Habits of mind: Curiosity, Strive for Excellence, Choice Making and Responsibility
Transferable skills: Modeling, Organizing and Representing Information, Interpreting Data/Information to Make Valid Claims
Content Knowledge:
Understanding polynomial functions and their properties (degree, leading coefficient, zeros, domain, and range).
Analyzing graphs for key features, such as turning points, relative maxima/minima, and end behavior.
Applying mathematical concepts to creatively design and interpret polynomial graphs.