Project-based learning towards the integration between mathematics and computer science

Currently, it is obvious to the entire educational community that the goal of high-quality education cannot only be the acquisition of knowledge, since the information that we present to students quickly becomes outdated: what is indisputable today is refuted tomorrow by a new scientific theory or more accurate information. Therefore, the task of the teacher is not just to transfer the amount of knowledge to the student, but to teach him to learn, to think. It is difficult to achieve this, but it is possible. To do this, we use the project method in our activities. The aim of the project offered to students is to develop their research skills (problem formulation, literature review, analysis, generalization) by researching and plotting a curve given by parametric equations or in polar coordinates. During the work on the project, the following tasks are solved: to interest students in higher mathematics, to develop students' creative abilities, to form communication skills and the ability to cooperate, to use the opportunity to study mathematical objects through any software. Groups of students (3-4 people) are offered projects for the study and construction of curves given by parametric equations or in polar coordinates. The work on the project consists of: literature review, research without the use of a derivative, research using a derivative, plotting, presentation and protection of the finished product. The ability to construct curves given by parametric equations or in polar coordinates will be useful not only when solving problems related to various applications of a define integral, but also with their extensive application in practical life, in particular in the manufacture of watches or in the design of bobsleigh tracks. The project method encourages students to self–development, self-expansion of their knowledge, creative application in practice in various fields of science and information and communication technologies.