Mathematics Represented Visually
The Universe at Their Fingertips
Mathematics Represented Visually
Art is about shape and line, contour, and shading. It turns out that this is exactly what algebraic functions and equations can produce: works of art.
Using the Desmos graphing calculator our boys are able to produce artworks that not only act as a check to their mathematical knowledge, but also result in deeper understanding of underlying mathematical concepts.
In seventh and eighth grade algebra classes at Saint David’ s, boys learn how to graph straight lines( linear equations) and parabolas( quadratic equations). They input their formulas and the Desmos program draws the resultant straight or curved line. The use of inequalities causes the graphs to produce shading. With the right combination of formulae and functions( and some snazzy special functions that create movement / animation), the boys can create images.
The Universe at Their Fingertips
Sixth graders presented their original Digital Universe astronomy shows live in March in the Hayden Planetarium for their families, teachers, and classmates using the same sophisticated tools used by astronomers.
The Digital Universe, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with educators from the American Museum of Natural History( AMNH), blends science, technology, and English curricula into an interdisciplinary unit. Sixth graders take advantage of access to research-grade tools and deep discipline expertise of the museum’ s educators and astronomers, as they identify and research an astronomy topic of particular interest and use the writing process and cutting-edge technology to create a visually arresting space show.
42 • Saint David’ s Magazine