AP Calculus Presentations

Today is the birthday of Albrecht Dürer born 1471 Imperial Free City of Nurnberg (Germany).  Dürer was an artist who is known for his work as an engraver.  The foundations of descriptive geometry are based on his work on human proportions.
 
Dürer called the curve "muschellini," which means conchoid. 
 
 Dürer designed several such machines.

My AP Calculus students are assigned a research project for their final.  The task they are given is to find the mathematics in something they enjoy doing.  The students usually form groups of two or threes.  In their presentation, they must find at least one higher level mathematics concept that exists in their area of enjoyment, give a historical background of that concept, and a future application of that concept.

This year's topics are:  Mathematics in Marching Band, Easy as Cake, Spiderman, Cards, Color Guard, Basketball, Horses, and Martial Arts/Pakour.

What does this have to do with Dürer?   Dürer found the mathematics in his art and made excellent use of its application.  I do feel that mathematics exists in everything.  Sometimes effort and insight is needed to discover its complexities.  Future blogs will include the mathematics my students have found in their lives.