November 14, 2012

On November 14, I went to RPI for my first 3-hr internship meeting with my mentor. For the computer program, she has developed a set of instructions and questions for the students to use as they participate in creating the art. During my time at RPI, I went through each of the steps involved with the program and edited the instructions for both grammatical errors along with areas which may need to be fixed in order to further understanding of the materials and what the students should do. As well as editing I also was to create an answer key to provide to the teachers so that they would be better prepared to teach the students using this method. This required me to go through the entire program myself and follow the directions carefully while answering the questions.

For the first part of the program, I learned how to apply mathematical principles such as symmetry to Native American beadwork. I then used computer algorithms to create lines of beads of different colors to copy a picture of a specific design. I then recorded the algorithms I developed to add to the answer key. For the second-half of the program I learned how to do iteration to create braiding patterns for hair (cornrows specifically). I used the software to create a certain braided design using different types of iteration using different types of transformational geometry. I then recorded my results to add to the answer key. The programming is very interesting and I am enjoying learning about what different types of math principles can be applied to cultural art.