1. Calculator Art Project
Test Grade

2. Materials Needed TI 83 or TI 84 graphing calculator
Graph paper, pencil
Your brain and not someone else’s or the internet!

3. Project Purpose
This is an end-of-the-year culminating activity. The objective is to design a picture using parametric equations, polar equations, and rectangular/function equations. The grading will be based on creativity/cleverness as well as accuracy of your equations.

4. Project must have…
A minimum of 3 different types of equations (linear, quadratic, cubic, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, conic)
Equations in each mode: function, parametric, and polar
A neatly written list of all equations used, including the t/θ-interval for each set on the equation sheet provided.
A graph/sketch of your picture with equations labeled.
Use at least 15 equations.
Project is worth a Test grade.
Use transformations, more complex equations to earn more points.

5. Project Specifics – Saving your Work
Use the following keystrokes to save a picture:
DRAW STO
Select 1: StorePic. Enter
Name your picture: 1, Enter
(Picture is saved in Pic1)
It is wise to save your picture into another location just in case you mess up the first one!!
Name 2nd picture: 2, Enter
(Picture is saved in Pic2)

6. Recalling Your Work How to recall picture:
(Make sure you change mode (if you want) before doing this!)
Clear Y=
DRAW STO
Select 2: RecallPic. Enter
1, Enter
(Pic1 is recalled)
You can now enter new equations changing your t interval, etc.
BE SURE TO SAVE YOUR PICTURE AFTER ADDING NEW EQUATIONS!!!
Keep a list of all equations! The calculator will only show the last ones entered.

7. Piecewise Functions
Try:
Type in calculator: (use 2nd Math)

8. Tips Keep all equations in calculator at one time,
Equals sign “turned off” to disable the graph
This ensures that you will not have to retype equation if you want to go back and change it
Write down what you store in the different numbers (UP TO 9). At the end, store your completed design in one number.
Pick your window from the beginning and decide if you want your axes on or off …at the BEGINNING!

9. Wrap-Up
This seems like a difficult project, in the beginning, because it is so open ended. We need you to think!
Play around in your calculator to create the equation that you want.
Once you decide on your picture and start working it, even those that feel they are not strong in Precalculus end up doing well.

10. Student Examples

11. Student Examples

12. Student Examples

13. Student Examples