Scripting Algebra

22
Jul
Coded Optical Illusions

Coded Optical Illusions

I had a great time this summer doing art and professional development with Twitter peers. On one of the days, Ellen Thomson hosted activities with Optical Illusions. This got me thinking of all the ways this could be done with coding + math groups. There are two approaches I take in coding groups. T
2 min read
24
Sep

SA9: Quadrant Play

This Scripting Algebra (SA) activity looks at quadrants, mouse location, and interactive art p5.js. This activity assumes that the skills from SA1-SA8 were introduced (if-else, logical operators, random(), text(), rect(), variables, loop, pow, for, functions, translate, modulo, etc.). This activity
1 min read
25
Aug
SA8: Odd and Even

SA8: Odd and Even

This Scripting Algebra (SA) activity uses even and odd polynomials to create generative art in p5.js. This activity assumes that the skills from SA1-SA7 were introduced (if-else, logical operators, random(), text(), rect(), variables, loop, pow, for, functions, translate etc.). This activity will in
2 min read
22
Aug
SA7: Directrix and Focus

SA7: Directrix and Focus

This Scripting Algebra (SA) activity uses parabolas again to make generative art in p5.js. In SA6, we used the f(x) = ax2+bx+c form for parabolas. In SA7, we are going to take a look at the directrix and focus by using the form: (x-h)2 = 4p(y-k). This is one of my favorite ways to look […]
2 min read
20
Aug
SA6: Parabola Art

SA6: Parabola Art

This Scripting Algebra (SA) activity uses parabolas to make generative art in p5.js. Learners will investigate existing code to analyze changes in parabolas, and other features of the output. This activity assumes that the skills from SA1-SA5 were introduced (if-else, logical operators, random(), te
1 min read
19
Aug
SA5: Systems of Equations

SA5: Systems of Equations

This Scripting Algebra (SA) activity will play with systems of linear equations in p5.js. In this activity, a system of two random lines will be generated and the intersection (or solution) of those lines will be calculated to make generative art. It is recommended to introduce creating functions if
2 min read
18
Aug
SA4: Perpendicular Play

SA4: Perpendicular Play

This Scripting Algebra (SA) activity will introduce students to perpendicular slopes and points for lines in p5.js. Once students get comfortable with linear functions, it is fun to look at their perpendicular counterparts. Introduce the concept that a perpendicular line has a slope that is a negati
2 min read
11
Aug
SA3: Exponents

SA3: Exponents

Exponential growth can be visualized so many different ways. This SA activity will play with the pow function and explore exponents in p5.js. This activity assumes that the skills from SA2 were introduced (if-else, logical operators, random(), text(), rect(), variables, loop, etc.). Make sure that t
2 min read
11
Aug
SA2: Animated Lines

SA2: Animated Lines

There are infinite possibilities for linear function animations. This SA project will give some ideas to practice using linear equations with p5.js. Introduce if-else statements (conditions), logical operators, random(), text(), rect(), variables, and using p5.js for animation (loop). Below are a fe
2 min read
10
Aug
SA1: Real Numbers

SA1: Real Numbers

Here is my first Scripting Algebra (SA) post! I hope to keep these coming (with about 5 posts for each semester of Algebra). Often Algebra classes start with the Real Number System. This SA task is to program a graphic for the Real Number system. This can be a Venn diagram, animation, or another pro
2 min read

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Sophia

Mathematics educator and creative coder exploring the beauty of mathematical concepts through interactive visualizations and playful learning.

Mathematics

Education

Creative Coding