Spring 2013


Math 113 - Math & Art: A New Approach to Window Taping for Linear Perspective



Motivation: Given a night section for my finite math course with a special emphasis on math and art, I was presented with a challenge to reproduce the popular "window taping activity" without being able to use the large windows of the Cox Science Building.  I decided to try doing the activity in the classroom using clear polycarbonate sheets, which our department generously purchased.   The results were quite stunning making me decide that I will employ this activity as part of the normal course rather than having the students trek over to Cox each semester.




I had the students position their windows
at the ends of rows of tables that we lined up.


Here the students are busy getting used to following
the director's instructions and taping the lines she sees.

Nina follows Isabelle's instructions.

Taylor's group tapes some ceiling lines.


Gibson explains how he sees things.


On the left, Joey flashes a smile, while on the right, Rebecca
tapes a line orthogonal to the window plane.


Kameron directs her group.


The taping progresses.


Satisfied with their progress, Nina's group takes a break.


Cem and Carrie show off their group's work.  (The lines aren't showing up as
nicely--maybe a flash would've done the trick.)