Desmos Graphing Art Project: A Fun and Engaging Learning Experience

In the world of mathematics, graphing can be a daunting task for many students. However, by incorporating art into this process, educators can make learning more enjoyable and interactive. The Desmos graphing art project is an excellent way to do just that.

The project involves using the popular graphing calculator app, Desmos, to create unique and colorful pieces of art. Students are tasked with creating their own designs using different functions and features available on the platform. This can include graphing lines, curves, and other shapes, as well as adding color and texture to their creations.

To get started, I provided my students with an Activity Builder that contained instructions for the project, helpful tips, and even a few examples of what they could create. By using this tool, I was able to manage all of their graphs and access them easily when needed.

As students worked on their projects, I used teacher pacing to keep everyone on track and restricted screens to specific numbers (1-5) during the project. This helped me monitor their progress and ensure that they were staying focused.

One of the best things about this project was seeing my students' reactions to their finished art pieces. They were so excited to share their creations with each other and with me, and many even came to me outside of class to learn more advanced techniques for graphing certain functions and coloring in their designs.

To inspire them, I showed them examples from Staff Pics and Creative Art, which provided a wealth of ideas and motivation. The result was a room full of students who were not only learning valuable mathematical skills but also having a blast creating something truly unique.

This project has been a huge success with my Pre-Algebra students and can be adapted for lower grade levels by focusing on simpler graphing techniques or using Desmos tables to connect points. Whatever the level, I highly recommend incorporating this fun and engaging activity into your math curriculum.