Synopsis of discussion on projects, 26feb01.

1. For people primarily interested in the "content" aspect of Math198: 
Make a careful inventory of what programming skills you have acquired since
the beginning of the semester and design a project that get get along with
these (and maybe some additional help in solving unforseen problems along
the way.) For such a project, the math/physics/science being simulated is
the more important. The problem of drafting a proposal reads something like
this:  With the toolbox I command, what can I effectively illustrate?
  
2. For people primarily interested in OpenGL programming. 
It takes more than a semester to master OpneGL. So how much more to conquer
this semester should now be influenced by a particular application of your
skills. Thus the project itself can be a "recycled" idea. Take some-body 
elses project and make it you own by completing it, improving it, or, even
rewriting it altogether. For such projects I'll provide you with the 
documentation the previous authors had submitted so you can concentrate
on the technical issues. The question to ask yourself is: Find a nifty idea
that already has a implementation. Propose specific improvements and 
elaborations. Outline a strategy to reach your goal.

3. The third road is primarily for artistic and adventurous types. I call it
the "blue-sky" proposal. Basically, you come up with such a terrific idea,
but one you can't possibly accomplish by yourself, that other people can't 
resist helping you solve some programming problems which make up the component
of the project. I gave some example of such projects that worked in the past.
A blue-sky project requires good people and communication skills, as well
a imagination. And, most blue-sky projects only get started during Math 198,
to be continued later, possibly by other people. The merit here is excellent
documentation.