Pixel Art: Design a Rubik's Cube Mosaic

Transcription

1 Pixel Art: Design a Rubik's Cube Mosaic All grades Designing a Rubik s Cube mosaic involves creativity, collaboration, pattern recognition, and computer skills. Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills Mathematical Process Standards XX.C.1X Next Generation Science Standards MS-ETS1-1 E ngineering Design Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution. The student uses mathematical processes to acquire and demonstrate mathematical understanding (B) use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution; (C) select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems; (G) display, explain, and justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communication. MS-ETS1-2 E ngineering Design E valuate competing design solutions using a systematic p rocess t o determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

2 Objectives: Students will design their own pixelated picture or pattern and then replicate it using Rubik s Cubes. Materials: 3x3 Rubik s Cubes Colored Pencils Graph paper or use included student page(s) Mosaics can also be made with the help of online programs, in which case you will also need: Computers with Internet access Color printer Background Knowledge: It is helpful if students know how to solve one face of the Rubik s Cube (manipulate edges and corners), but students can also learn that skill while working on this lesson. Procedure: Before class: Copy mosaic templates based on the number of students and cubes you have available. If you are going to use the Google Sheets option, save a copy of the file found at for yourself. If students have their own Google drives, share a view only copy with them before they do part 2 of this lesson. Watch the video at for instructions on part 2 of this lesson (using Google Sheets to create a mosaic template). Part 1: Design a mosaic template by hand. 1. Using only the colors yellow, blue, orange, red, and green, students draw a pattern or picture onto the template sheet, or grid paper, using one color per box. 2. After templates are designed, students can use 9, 16, or 25 Rubik s Cubes to create their mosaic.

3 Technology Connection: Part 2: Design a template using Google Sheets. Instructions for this part of the lesson can also be found in this video: 1. Make a copy of the Google Sheets file found at (The file has View Only restrictions, so you need to make a copy before you will be able to edit it.) 2. After sharing a View Only version of the file with your students, have them save a personal copy of the file. (Or send them to the original file to make their own copies.) 3. Students will use the Fill Color tool to color the pixels in the template grids to make their own images and designs.

4 Pixel art images can be found online to assist students. The number of squares of the image and the given space for each student is often not the same and they will need to adapt the image to fit the grid space they have. An internet image search of pixel art will give ample results, and be narrowed by adding a subject such as pixel art unicorns Extend the Activity: Students can also examine how adding more cubes / more pixels to their design affects the area of the mosaic. Notes to Teacher: 3x3 and 2x2 Rubik s Cubes are available to borrow from the You CAN Do the Rubik s Cube Lending Program at no cost other than return shipping. library Teachers and youth leaders can borrow Mosaic Builder Sets sets of Rubik s Cubes from You CAN Do the Rubik s Cube at no cost other than return shipping. a set/

5 Design Your Own Rubik s Cube Mosaic: 9 cubes Create a template to make a pattern or picture using only Rubik s Cube colors: white, yellow, green, blue, red, and orange. Each individual square may consist of only one color.

6 Design Your Own Rubik s Cube Mosaic: 16 cubes Create a template to make a pattern or picture using only Rubik s Cube colors: white, yellow, green, blue, red, and orange. Each individual square may consist of only one color.

7 Design Your Own Rubik s Cube Mosaic: 25 cubes Create a template to make a pattern or picture using only Rubik s Cube colors: white, yellow, green, blue, red, and orange. Each individual square may consist of only one color.