Welcome back to another Bard Math CAMP Blog!
Here’s a detailed look at today’s engaging activities and lessons:
The day began with energy as CAMPers engaged in a variety of opening activities, such as games, tessallations, and art projects, including one giant magic cube! These activities set a positive start for the rest of the day, preparing the CAMPers for the lessons and explorations ahead.
In Frances’ Sine class, the day started with a review of the two methods CAMPers used to determine the number of degrees in each angle of a regular polygon. They discovered that, when written in algebraic notation, both methods yielded the same results, reinforcing their understanding of mathematical consistency. Next, they moved on to constructing polyhedra with Magnatiles. This hands-on activity helped them explore the relationships between the number of faces, edges, and vertices in these three-dimensional shapes.
CAMPers then delved into the properties of regular polyhedra. CAMPers began building these fascinating shapes using Zometools, which provided a more precise and intricate method for constructing polyhedra. This activity allowed them to see firsthand how the geometric properties they had been studying came together in complex, three-dimensional forms.
In Japheth’s Cosine class, CAMPers explored the fundamental differences between polyhedra and polygons. They learned about convex shapes and how these relate to Platonic solids, which are the building blocks of many complex geometric forms. The class examined 20 different nets of a cube, challenging CAMPers to mentally determine which ones could form a proper cube without physically assembling them. This exercise significantly improved their mental imagery skills.
Additionally, CAMPers made their own cube nets without lifting their pens, requiring them to plan their moves carefully before executing them. The class also explored polyhedra algebraically using inequalities and discussed the concepts of nets, which provided a deeper understanding of geometric structures.
Today’s lunch was once again provided by Tastebudds, and with the beautiful weather, CAMPers took the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy their midday break.
As the afternoon rolled in, CAMPers eagerly transitioned to their elective activities, where they could explore a variety of interests and hands-on projects. Here’s a look at what each elective had to offer today:
CAMPers were thrilled as they learned new math magic tricks from Frances, which they performed for their peers. This elective, though magical, are solely based on mathematical principles, creating an exciting and educational experience.
Intro to Circuitry was a blend of theory and practical application. CAMPers reviewed circuit symbols and experimented with breadboards, enhancing their understanding of electronic components. Shiven explained electromagnetic fields around magnets and related this to the functionality of a hand-crank flashlight, helping CAMPers grasp the principles of electricity conduction. They continued their projects from previous days, but now conducting electricity through a breadboard in order to make their LED bulbs light up.
In the Origami elective, CAMPers created Lilies and Hummingbirds with Ariella!
Shoshi’s Art Class was a creative haven where CAMPers designed and created 3D cubes using their own dimensions. This hands-on activity allowed them to apply their understanding of geometry in a tangible way. CAMPers personalized their cubes with unique designs, colors, and patterns!
Yulia’s Computer Science class was a hub of activity as CAMPers delved into more advanced programming concepts. They learned about sliders and the repeat command, which allowed them to set the number of sides and the length of each side, making their tessellations more intricate and complex. CAMPers learned to create buttons that could automatically generate polygons, streamlining their coding process and making it more efficient. This, paired with revising their triangle codes from the previous day, taught them valuable coding techniques but also showed them how to apply these skills to create beautiful, mathematically accurate designs.
For closing activities, some CAMPers continued with their tessellations, magic cubes, and origami projects, while others tackled Mason’s Math Challenge!
Along with this, CAMPers were asked, “What made you smile today?”, their answers are as follows:
As Day 4 draws to a close, the excitement and learning at the Bard Math CAMP continues to build. Each activity and lesson contributes to the CAMPers’ growing knowledge and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to see families and CAMPers back for the last day of CAMP!