In this project, you will create a meaningful and visually appealing design using mathematical equations. Your goal is to explore how different types of functions interact and combine to create artistic representations. This project will help you deepen your understanding of functions, transformations, and domain and range restrictions.

Driving Question:
How can mathematical functions be used to create visually appealing designs that represent a meaningful story or concept?
Project Requirements:
Your design must include at least 10 functions, using a combination of:
- Linear functions
- Quadratic functions
- Exponential functions

Domain and range restrictions should be applied creatively to shape your design. Vertical lines are optional and do not count toward the 10-function requirement.
Process:
Plan Your Design:
Choose a concept or story that your design will represent (e.g., nature, personal interest, a fictional logo). Sketch your design on paper and determine which functions will be used.

Graph your Design on Desmos (Not the testing Desmos). Make sure you login to Desmos. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one. This will allow you to save your graph as you work so you won’t lose it. Once you are finished, you will hit the share button in the upper right-hand corner. Copy the link and submit it through Canvas by the deadline.

Feedback and Revision: (Thursday, May 8th)
Share your initial draft with peers and the teacher for feedback. Make revisions based on the feedback to refine your design and improve its mathematical and artistic quality.

Reflection and Iteration:
Midpoint Checkpoint (Thursday, May 8th): Reflect on your progress and address the following:
- What is working well in your design?

- What challenges are you facing?

- How are you incorporating feedback?

Present Your Work:
Everyone will present their Desmos drawings in class on Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th. You will present the following and you will be graded as follows for your presentation

Explain your design and why you chose it. (5 points)
Explain how one linear function, one quadratic function and one exponential function contributes to the creation of your design. (10 points)
Reflect on challenges and learning with this PBL. (5 points)

This project will count as a minor grade as follows:

Grading Rubric:
Category Points Possible Criteria
At least 10 functions 30 points 3 points for each correctly implemented function.
3 different types of functions 30 points 10 points for each type (linear, quadratic, exponential) used accurately and meaningfully.
Presentation 20 points Clear explanation of design, function use, and reflection on challenges and learning.
Creativity 10 points Originality and connection to the chosen concept or story.


Here is an example with some equations to help you get started.



To put in the domain restrictions, enter in the restriction after the equations. For example, the first equation above has a domain of [-4, 4]. To put this in Desmos, we type in {-4≤x≤4} after the equation. If you have any vertical lines, you will need to restrict the range instead of the domain. The third equation above is an example of how to do that.

Final Reflection:
After presentations, reflect on your learning and the feedback received from peers.
Final Reflection Questions
Design Process:
- What inspired the concept or story behind your design?

- How did you decide which functions to use for different parts of your design?

- What role did domain and range restrictions play in shaping your design?

Challenges and Problem-Solving:
- What was the most challenging part of the project, and how did you overcome it?

- Were there any unexpected results while creating your design? How did you address them?

Collaboration and Feedback:
- How did feedback from your peers or teacher help improve your design?

- If you worked with others, how did you collaborate effectively during this project?

Mathematical Connections:
- How did this project help you better understand linear, quadratic, and exponential functions?

- What mathematical concepts or techniques do you feel most confident in after completing this project?

Creativity and Reflection:
- If you were to create a new design, what would you do differently and why?

- What aspect of your design are you most proud of and why?

- How did this project change the way you view the connection between mathematics and art?

Application and Real-World Impact:
- How do you think the skills you used in this project could apply to real-world problems or careers?

- What advice would you give to someone starting this project for the first time?
Make me a panda
making art with demos graphing calculator make me a panda

1 answer

Creating a visually appealing panda design using mathematical functions is a creative and fun project! Below is a structured outline along with sample functions that you can use to design a panda on Desmos.

Concept: Panda Drawing

1. Planning Your Design:

  • The subject of your design is a panda. The panda has a round body, a round head, eyes, ears, and arms. Each of these parts can be represented using a combination of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions.

2. Functions to Use:

  • Linear Functions: These can create arms, legs, and the outline of the body.
  • Quadratic Functions: These can be used for creating the rounded shapes of the head and body.
  • Exponential Functions: Can be creatively used to give a playful effect, maybe for the ears or unique parts of the eyes.

Equations:

Here are some sample functions designed as a panda:

  1. Head (Quadratic): \[ y = -0.2(x^2 - 9) + 6, \quad \text{domain: } [-3, 3] \]

  2. Body (Quadratic): \[ y = -0.1(x^2) + 2, \quad \text{domain: } [-4, 4] \]

  3. Left Ear (Circle): \[ (x + 2)^2 + (y - 7)^2 = 1, \quad \text{(centered at (-2, 7), radius 1)} \]

  4. Right Ear (Circle): \[ (x - 2)^2 + (y - 7)^2 = 1 \]

  5. Left Eye (Circle): \[ (x + 1)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 0.5, \quad \text{(Iris of the eye)} \]

  6. Right Eye (Circle): \[ (x - 1)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 0.5 \]

  7. Pupil of Left Eye (Circle): \[ (x + 1)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 0.1 \]

  8. Pupil of Right Eye (Circle): \[ (x - 1)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 0.1 \]

  9. Nose (Circle): \[ (x)^2 + (y - 4)^2 = 0.3 \]

  10. Mouth (Linear): \[ y = -0.5|x| + 3.8, \quad \text{domain: } [-1, 1] \]

Applying Domain and Range Restrictions

Make sure to apply any domain and range restrictions to ensure certain elements of the panda do not overlap unwantedly. For example, limit the domain of the mouth function to create a smile limited on the x-axis.

Graphing in Desmos

  1. Log in to your Desmos account and enter the equations.
  2. Adjust the colors of each part for aesthetic success.
  3. Share the link to your Desmos graph once finished.

Feedback & Reflection:

  • After sharing with peers, consider their input on clarity and appeal. Modify your design based on their suggestions.

Presentation:

Prepare to explain the mathematical functions used, their contributions to the design, and your learning process throughout the project.

Final Reflection:

After the project, take time to reflect on the process, detailing what you learned about function types, challenges encountered, and how mathematics can create art.

By following this outline, you should be well on your way to creating a panda with mathematical equations! Good luck!