IA (HL) Math HL exploration HELP!

[AKD]

Ok guys i seriously need help help to decide on my Math HL exploration Topic. I currently have some options in mind but cant decide which one to finalise. I have no idea whether some of these topic can be explored to the 'MATH HL' level of complexity. These are my options:

1. Flatland (the book/movie)
   
2. Architecture and Trigonometry
   
3. Boolean Algebra
   
4. Binary numbers
   
5. Blood splatter analysis (dexter lol)
   

Any more suggestions will be appreciated....

Please try to inform how the topic suggested can be suitable.

Thanks alot!

[thebrownindianguy]

The 2nd option is pretty cool i think. You could look at Egyptian pyramids, they're really interesting. Blood splatter analysis is good too, but i have no idea what you can do with that.

[Taniagupts16]

Try doing it on the Fibonaccio numbers! I did it and its fun

[flinquinnster]

I love, love, love your first idea - I was considering doing Flatland for my EE, but in an English literature context, not a maths one. However, I think that simply using 'Flatland' as your Maths HL exploration is nowhere near the appropriate level of sophistication. But don't abandon hope - you might be able to draw inspiration from the concept of dimensions, and find something related to that that could work (though honestly I have no idea). Perhaps you could look at fractals and dimensions, angles in different dimensions, or in something more physics-related, different types of non-Euclidean space and its implications for understanding the world. I guess I would be tempted to approach this like a current Type I portfolio task rather than a Type II (modelling).

I'm just warning you though that I really have a limited understanding of what the investigation entails - my understanding is that it is like the current Studies project, but way more sophisticated.

Okay, having looked at the 2014 syllabus, I think that perhaps it would be more advisable to stick to something a bit less wacky than Flatland, regrettably. It says that it is 'expected that students will draw from the HL syllabus', but you won't be penalised if you go out of it. So, because I'm procrastinating, here's what I think about your other ideas.

2. Architecture and Trigonometry - way too broad. Focus on something, though probably not a famous landmark where maths projects have already been done to death. Maybe something local? Anyway, you could choose a particular aspect regarding the geometry and architecture - tessellation (maybe too simple, perhaps), the shadows cast (I actually read a brilliant Maths EE on sundials, it was wonderful) or maybe something regarding the optimisation of workable floor space (there's a 2011-2012 IA Portfolio Type II task on which you could gain inspiration). Looking at the weird shapes of modern skyscrapers would be really fruitful here I think, and personally, I feel that a modelling investigation based on architecture is more sophisticated than trig - though that's just me.

3. Boolean Algebra. Oh my, I'm reading on wikipedia and am a bit confused. Could be interesting if you're into set theory and that kind of thing. Links with one of the options topics in the syllabus, so that's good.

4. Binary numbers - personally, I feel that this is a bit dry and perhaps overdone. What precisely would be investigated? It doesn't seem as original or as possibly intriguing as your other ideas.

5. Blood spatter analysis - sounds fascinating, could be potential for modelling tasks. I think you've read with the wikipedia page on this, but if you haven't, it could inspire some thoughts of how to model the trajectory and potential shapes/spatter obtained. However, I think the precise physics of it is way beyond the scope of Maths HL, so this could be a limiting avenue. Maybe fractals is linked here, but I'm not sure. If you're into forensics, this could be really interesting.

You could also look at game theory, gaming probability and applications of maths in economics/sociology, if that kind of thing floats your boat. This might just be me, but I think that inventing your own card/casino/gambling game and modelling different scenarios and probabilities could be really, really fascinating. Oh, I feel kind of jealous, even though I know this is probably harder than what Maths IAs are currently like.

I would recommend finding an actual maths teacher (preferably your own ) to look at some of the ideas you come up with, as they'll probably have something of a better idea as to whether it's appropriate - though they may not, as it is the first year of this new type of task. Hence, if you are stuck for how complex your task needs to be, I would recommend going to past portfolio tasks and seeing whether your task answers/explores a similar number of points to a similar depth. The main thing is I guess to like your topic - you get 3+4=7/20 marks for 'personal engagement' and 'reflection', which seems ridiculous to me because they seem to be dead giveaway marks! Good luck, because I think all your ideas are fascinating

[AKD]

Thanks everyone and thanks alot flinquinsster for the very detailed and kinda fllattering reply

Flatland sure is fascinating but i think the complexity of my exploration is a pretty big deal i.e Criterion E

Im gonna check out blood splatter analysis once again and am considering the tesseract (fourth dimension)

Watcha think?

[flinquinnster]

Thanks everyone and thanks alot flinquinsster for the very detailed and kinda fllattering reply

Flatland sure is fascinating but i think the complexity of my exploration is a pretty big deal i.e Criterion E

Im gonna check out blood splatter analysis once again and am considering the tesseract (fourth dimension)

Watcha think?

Not a problem, hope I was helpful. Anyway, I think that blood splatter could be quite sophisticated, but read into it more to make sure it isn't too hard I guess. I guess a tesseract is linking with the dimensions idea, which is pretty cool, but it definitely needs more focus. If you do end up getting stuck or having your idea vetoed by teacher, I would suggest going to looking at a building and doing something modelling related. But hopefully you can find something good out of the ideas you already have now!

[AKD]

Ok, im planning to do my Math HL IA on bloodstain pattern analysis.

I have two options:

1. Test the effectiveness of the concepts and formulae of BPA for fluids other than blood.
   
2. Spatter blood and investigate it (must use my own blood)
   

Will i have any problems from the IB if i use my blood during this experiment? Is it ethical?

[YOLO]

Guys, i think It has to be much more complex then umm Fibonacci Sequence. Anyways, can anyone can suggest me a topic? If you have any specific topic on optimization do tell. Thanks.

And about the topics you have given AKD make sure you have enough content and direct relation to the course.

[Matas]

Ok, im planning to do my Math HL IA on bloodstain pattern analysis.

I have two options:

• Test the effectiveness of the concepts and formulae of BPA for fluids other than blood.
• Spatter blood and investigate it (must use my own blood)

Will i have any problems from the IB if i use my blood during this experiment? Is it ethical?

Hmm, I have discussed this matter with my Chemistry teacher (but for Chemistry EE) and she mentioned that students cannot use body fluids. But I'm not sure if it would be a problem for Math IA.

[Nick_ssup]

Hey guys

I am planning to do my math exploration on

1 the rate of flow of water from those tanks

2 angle at which no water remains in those vehicles called water tankers

3 volume of water wasted after water is pumped out

Please tell me really need ur help