Maths art and making · Maths CAS idea
String art: curves from straight lines
Creativity
Create a series of string art pieces that build curves (parabolas, cardioids) from straight lines, and run a session teaching others to make one.
Where the maths comes in
Envelopes of lines, modular multiplication around a circle and parabolas from straight lines.
Which CAS strand it fits
- Creativity: The arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking.
Your CAS coordinator decides how an experience counts at your school. Strand summaries are provisional (our words, being checked).
How to run it
- Make simple pieces to learn the technique.
- Plan a more ambitious design with the maths worked out first.
- Make it, keeping notes on what you change.
- Optionally teach a group to make a simple piece.
How to evidence it
- Plans and calculations
- Photos of each piece
- Notes from teaching a group
Date everything and keep it in your school's CAS portfolio as you go. More on what counts as evidence.
Reflection prompts
Questions to think about, not answers to copy. Write your reflections in your own words, in whatever form your school accepts.
- Where did the maths predict the result, and where did it surprise you?
- What did you have to try several times to get right?
- How did teaching others change how you see the pattern?
Learning outcomes this often gives a chance to show
- Challenge and new skills. What could you not do at the start that you can do now? Which moment felt most uncomfortable, and what did you do next?
- Strengths and growth. Which part of this did you find easiest, and why do you think that is? What would someone who watched you say you need to work on?
- Commitment and perseverance. When did you feel like stopping, and what kept you going? What does your record of sessions or meetings show about how regularly you took part?
Whether you meet an outcome depends on what you actually do and reflect on, not on the idea. Outcome labels are our short summaries, being checked.
Safety and ethics
- Hammers and nails: work on a protected surface and keep first aid nearby.
Agree every plan with your CAS coordinator first. Safety and ethics for maths CAS.
Sketch curves and patterns first in the free online grapher.