Week 1
Lesson 1
Shape
Learners log into our coding website (https://openprocessing.org) and explore the collaborative coding screen. Then they learn p5.js JavaScript commands that draw basic shapes like ellipses and rectangles. Learners also explore the coordinate plane and use it to position shapes where they wish. 

Exercise #1 (15 minutes)
Learners pick two adjectives like "sharp" and "wet." They use black-and-white shapes to illustrate those ideas.
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Color and Random Variation – Exploration
Learners explore a color model called "hue, saturation, and brightness" which expresses colors as a series of 3 numbers. Learners also explore ways to vary color and shape randomly. By applying randomness thoughtfully, learners create eye-catching art that looks different each time it appears. 

Exercise #2 (15 minutes)
Learners make something completely random.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Color and Random Variation – Project
Learners view the work of artists Mark Rothko, Damien Hirst, Sam Gilliam, and Barnett Newsman. We discuss how these artists play with the contrast between randomness and consistency in their art.

Project #1 (45 minutes)
Using ideas of shape, color, and randomness, learners make their own project in the spirit of one of the artists we discussed. At the end of class, learners can share projects if they wish.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Progression Through Time and Space – Exploration
Learners use variables to change the color, position, and size of shapes progressively over time. They also learn how to use commands like "if"  to change projects when specific conditions are met (for example, if a shape touches bottom, the animation ends). 

Exercise #3 (15 minutes)
Learners change one characteristic of a shape, like its sideways position, progressively over time.
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Progression Through Time and Space – Project
Learners view several exemplary, carefully-curated animations in p5.js JavaScript that change color, shape, size, or position progressively over time. They discuss what kinds of changes they find appealing.

Project #2 (45 minutes)
Using ideas of progression over time, learners create a meditation app, a fish tank, an abstract grid, or other project of their own design. At the end of class, learners can share projects if they wish.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Interaction – Exploration
Learners view several exemplary, carefully-curated animations in p5.js JavaScript that change when you press the mouse button or keys. At the same time, learners also explore visual reflection – shapes that move or change in ways that oppose one another. 

Exercise #4 (15 minutes)
Learners make a project where shapes change in simple ways when you touch them or press a key. For example, they make 2 shapes that jump apart when you press 'j.'
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Interaction – Project
Project #3 (55 minutes)
Using ideas of interaction and reflection as well all previous skills, learners create a kaleidoscope, digital paint brushes that produce special visual effects, digital faces that can be changed by touching them, or other projects of their own design. At the end of class, learners can share projects if they wish.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Finish Projects and Share
If learners wish, they can continue to work on previous projects. Alternatively, learners can collaborate to create an interactive poster for our class using all the skills we studied.