Desmos Graphing Art Tutorial

As a mathematics educator, I have had the privilege of witnessing students' creativity and problem-solving skills unfold in various forms. One such instance was when our 8th-grade class embarked on a unique project that combined artistic expression with mathematical concepts – the Desmos graphing art tutorial.

The project began with an introduction to the Desmos graphing calculator, a powerful tool that allows users to create intricate designs by outlining sets of points and shading the interior. Our students were initially perplexed by this concept, but as they experimented with different shapes and patterns, their creativity began to shine through.

One student in particular, Catalina, approached me for guidance on her project. She had created a detailed sketch on grid paper, which she was eager to translate into a digital masterpiece using Desmos. With my assistance, she learned how to create custom colors, use inequalities to color in areas, and even design figures such as circles and ellipses.

As the students worked on their projects, they began to see the mathematical concepts come alive. They discovered that by manipulating equations and shapes, they could create stunning works of art. The classroom was filled with chatter and laughter as students shared their progress and offered feedback to one another.

The project's loose constraints – using at least 8 linear equations, 4 inequalities, and 4 horizontal lines – served as a creative catalyst for the students. They were encouraged to experiment and explore different techniques, which they did enthusiastically.

In just a week, our students transformed their math skills into breathtaking works of art. The sense of accomplishment was palpable as they presented their projects to the class and proudly displayed them in the school hallway. For many, this project marked a glorious capstone to their K-8 math experience at our school.

Through this Desmos graphing art tutorial, we witnessed students' growth not only in their mathematical understanding but also in their confidence and creativity. As educators, it is heartening to see our students develop skills that extend beyond the classroom, as they learn to apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems and artistic expressions.