Unit 8.3
Art all around
In this unit, students explore connections between visual art, mathematics, and computing to create original works of abstract digital art. They begin by analyzing the elements of art and using algorithms to represent geometric transformations such as translation, rotation, and dilation. Students then use Scratch to program these transformations, creating and refining functions while applying concepts such as abstraction and variables. Using an artistic design process and guided constraints, students plan and develop their own interactive digital artwork. Throughout the unit, they maintain an artist’s journal to document their ideas, decisions, and reflections. To conclude the unit, students write an artist statement explaining their design and programming choices and share their work in a collaborative gallery walk.
Overview documents
Art through algorithms
Students examine the elements of art in a piece of artwork and connect them to mathematical concepts. They create an algorithm to translate a shape on a coordinate grid and compare their results to the artwork.
Pattern playground
Students examine some Pop Art examples created by Andy Warhol and discuss how he used translations to create patterns. They use Scratch to code sprite translations across the x and y axes, then apply abstraction by modifying their program with two functions.
Fantastic forms
Students explore how dilation creates perspective in artworks. They use Scratch to scale sprites and apply variables to control dilation within their programs.
Shifting shapes
Students explore how rotation transforms shapes in artwork. They use Scratch to create a function that rotates a sprite and then apply it to design a personalized geometric pattern.
Build it out
Students apply the art and computing concepts they have learned and the functions they’ve created to plan and create an interactive digital artwork. They are provided with constraints for their project and document their design and programming choices along the way.
Art all around
Students create an artist statement by reflecting on their design and programming choices. They share their work and engage in a gallery walk to provide constructive feedback.