Cool Graph Art Desmos: A Showcase of Mathematical Mastery

In the realm of mathematics, few tools have democratized creative expression like Desmos, an online graphing calculator that empowers students to transform equations into stunning works of art. The company recently announced a contest challenging students to create any artwork of their choice using the tool, and the submissions did not disappoint.

Among the standout entries was a drawing of Medusa by sophomore Grace Kanaley from Huntington Beach High School in California. Inspired by her interest in Greek mythology and math, Kanaley taught herself new trigonomic functions to rotate parabolas and make ovals for the drawing. The wavy curves of hair and snakes presented a learning curve of their own, but Kanaley's dedication paid off in the form of a breathtakingly beautiful piece.

The contest showcased not only the artistic talent of students but also their mathematical prowess. One student used Python to program Fourier Transform functions to animate a flower, while another recreated Vincent Van Gogh's famous 'Starry Night' using Bézier curves, a technique often employed in computer graphics. These projects were truly impressive, demonstrating that some students have been so motivated by the desire to create beautiful graphs that they've gone beyond what they typically learn in class.

Desmos graphing specialist Suzanne von Oy was thrilled with the submissions, praising the creativity and skill on display. 'It's been impressive to see students create true masterpieces,' she said. The competition has also shown that students are eager to learn advanced math concepts, even if they're not part of their standard curriculum. According to von Oy, 'We see 13-14-year-olds going online and asking their peers to learn about things that are beyond what they'd normally learn in class.'

The Desmos art contest is an inspiration to anyone who thought mathematics was solely about numbers and formulas. It highlights the beauty and creativity that can emerge when students are given the freedom to express themselves through math. As von Oy noted, 'It's wildly outside what most students get exposed to in school.' The submissions prove that with Desmos, even the most complex mathematical concepts can be transformed into stunning works of art.

Cool graph art desmos