Project Euler – Math Programming Projects
Oh you math teachers are going to love this one. No, really you will. And honestly it may encourage some of your programming students who don’t think they like math to get interested. I’m talking about a web site called Project Euler. There are well over 200 mathematical puzzles listed here that are best solved with the aid of a computer program. You probably could do them with pencil and paper but you could also probably build a large building without power tools. But do you want to?
From the about page on the Project Euler website:
What is Project Euler?
Project Euler is a series of challenging mathematical/computer programming problems that will require more than just mathematical insights to solve. Although mathematics will help you arrive at elegant and efficient methods, the use of a computer and programming skills will be required to solve most problems.
The motivation for starting Project Euler, and its continuation, is to provide a platform for the inquiring mind to delve into unfamiliar areas and learn new concepts in a fun and recreational context.
Have some students you want to challenge? Or perhaps want to challenge yourself? These may be just the projects you are looking for. Also as I understand it there is a ranking system for registered members so yet anotter chance for students to compete and measure themselves against each other if they are so inclined.
Hat tip to Megan Golding on whose blog I found this link. She’s using these projects with middle school students so there is a large range of complexity here.
