Young People Designing with Shape Grammar

Drawing Local Songbirds: Introducing Primary Learners to Abstract Computational Design with Logical Operations (Boolean Algebra) Where the Primitives are Shapes

Presentation given at the German Mathematical Society, Mathematics and Art Minisymposium, Annual Meeting of the German Mathematical Society, 2021

Geometry and Visual Art

Geometry is used in Visual Arts just like it is in Mathematics...but in art it is a little messier!
Math and Art are very similar once we get past the numbers.
Both are calculating, both are perceptive, and both work from, with, and towards beautiful form. Both are full of multiple variables and situations.
At the primary and secondary levels of learning Art opens up an exploratory space for geometry that doesn't exist at this level of mathematics classrooms.

Implementing curriculum that uses shape grammars to design in primary visual arts curriculum creates a conversation and collaboration between the two disciplines.

Learning and working with shape grammars is an inclusive space for everyone. Students who struggle with abstract symbol-based systems can find reprieve working visually with shape grammars so it's truly a win/win situation for teachers!