Fractal Fantasy Map Making

Completed by 5 learners

Ages 10-13

Live One-Time Class

Join in and create fantasy maps that integrate fractals and mathematical designs. This class will create a world while speaking the language of math.

Sophia Wood

Live video meetings

Meets once

3-8 learners per class

45 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

45 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

This class will take learners through the steps to create a fantasy map that incorporates various mathematical structures, fractals, and more. Students can work on paper or on a tablet with a drawing application (with stylus/pencil). Realistic coastlines, mountains, forests, dwellings, river systems, and other requested features will be covered. This class will be in a follow-along style where learners can direct the landmarks, geological formations, or other features they would like to see as we go. Worldbuilding is a wonderful way to explore math, geology, writing, science, and more. This class will look at creating the map of a new world that may inspire stories, characters, technologies, habitats, etc. 

Students are encouraged to ask questions, make suggestions/requests, and be part of the mathematical conversation during this class. Students' comfort zones for participation will be respected and participation will not be required if they wish to just follow along. I have had students create maps for weeks after doing this class and know that this sort of creativity can take time and iterations.

Learning Goals

Students will learn about the coastline paradox, Sierpinski Triangles, Menger Sponges, how rivers are fractal-like, and how to make a fantasy map. Math is more than computation; it is the ability to problem-solve and think creatively. This class will explore fantasy maps with some math.

Other Details

Supply List

Students will need a drawing medium that has the ability to erase (either a paper and pencil or a digital drawing program). If a digital program is being used, please ensure they are comfortable with it and have paper and pencil as a back-up. Colored pencils or markers are optional and not recommended until the maps are complete.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Sophia Wood

Joined May, 2021

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I have a BS in mathematics with almost 2 decades of tutoring, 15yrs of engineering, and 6yrs as a STEM educator. I love to integrate art, math, games, coding, and more into my classes. Some of the classes that you may see me teach are role playing math, generative art in code, math art, math through coding, hands-on math, fractal investigation, paper folding math, game creation, fiber art and more. Please request any classes that you would like to see. 

I believe in learner-led classes that practice a growth mindset. Exploring concepts through play, art, science and imagination can nurture a love of learning in all students.

I love, spinning yarn, designing puzzles and toys, birdwatching, gardening, photography, digital art, poetry, music, and making comics. I find that daily practices lead me to deeper knowledge and bring joy to my life-long learning.