MHF4U STEAM Project (Student Handout)

Group members’ names: (1) __________________ (2) __________________ (3) ____________________

Learning Goal: In this activity, you will be:

(1) Ontario curriculum expectations A.2, B.2 and C.2: Identifying, describing, and comparing the characteristics
of trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and other more advanced functions, and
hence showing understanding of the various transformations applied to the different types of functions.

(2) Showing appreciation of the beauty of mathematical patterns in nature.

Task:
(1) Your task is to use the functions you have learned in this class to create a work of art provided by
the teacher in class. The project will take place in two separate phases:
a. Trial run (will NOT be marked) - December 18 and 19:
i. Your group will be given an art work for which you have to recreate in class using
lines and curves generated by Desmos. Your art work does not have to be coloured in
– just the outlines of the image will suffice.
ii. Type up a report with the required components (see ‘The Report’ section below). A
screenshot of the artwork must be incorporated in the report. Submit on Bright Space.
b. The REAL DEAL (will be marked) - January 9 and 10: The same process as in the ‘trial
run’ except that you will have a different artwork. The art work and the report will be
created in class on January 9 and January 10, 2025, and due by the end of class time on
January 10, 2025 on Bright Space. (Note: You may use the template document you have
created in the ‘trial run’ for the ‘REAL DEAL’ to save time).
(2) The ART:
Create a picture using a minimum of 12 different functions.
You must include the following:
a) at least one function from each of the following: linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic,
trigonometric, absolute value, radical, rational (that is factorable), polynomial (degree 2 or higher,
one of the polynomial functions must be factorable).
b) at least one inverse function with appropriate notation.
c) at least one combined function.
d) one discontinuous function.
e) one odd and one even function.
f) a function not mentioned in part a) above.
Reminder: The whole class will be creating the SAME artwork. If you use Chat GPT or
other AI tools, you will likely be using the SAME (or similar) functions for your image.
This will be considered plagiarism and will result in all complicit groups being given a
mark of zero. So think twice before you even consider doing anything dishonest.
THE REPORT:
Your report (Word document or Google Doc) must have the following components:

(1) A link (url) to the desmos you have created

(2) A screen shot of the image you have created
(3) A list of all the functions you have used for your artwork
(4) For ONE of each of the exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric (sine, cosine AND tangent),
rational and polynomial functions, you must discuss the following characteristics:
a) Domain and Range
b) Zeros (if any)
c) Y intercept (if any)
d) Vertical Asymptote(s) (if any)
e) Other Asymptote (if any)
f) End Behaviours (except for trigonometric functions)
g) Interval(s) of Increase
h) Interval(s) of Decrease
i) Whether or not the function is continuous or discontinuous
j) Whether the function is even or odd (or neither)

For one function (you can use different functions for each of parts a, b, c, d below),
a) calculate an average rate of change that is positive
b) calculate an average rate of change that is negative
c) calculate an instantaneous rate of change of approximately 2.5
d) calculate an instantaneous rate of change that is very large (in magnitude)
e) find a point at which the instantaneous rate is zero
f) find an interval at which the average rate is zero

EVALUATION RUBRIC
Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1
Breadth of Uses all functions Uses all functions Missing 1 or 2 functions Missing 3 or more
functions including at least one assigned assigned functions assigned
beyond the scope of the
course
Equations and Perfectly A couple of minor Several errors (3 to 5 Many errors (6 or
Graphs match errors errors) more)
artwork given
Characteristics For all required functions, For all required Done but with errors or Missing completely
all correct functions, a couple of omissions or has many errors
minor errors
Rates of change All done and all correct All done, a couple of Done but with errors or Missing completely
errors omissions or has many errors
Communication Appropriate mathematical Appropriate Several errors in Mathematical
terminology, mathematical mathematical terminology,
symbols, and conventions terminology, terminology, symbols, and/or
throughout symbols, and symbols, and conventions contain
conventions mostly conventions throughout many errors
used