Art with Python (Challenge #4)

final drawing

Inspiration

We used lines to model how the internet and hackathons like Brooke Codes have allowed us to stay connected while social distancing. The lines are created by modular arithmetic and represent a community. During Brooke Codes, we have met so many new friends, and we wanted the lines to portray the new relationships and the sense of community the internet has allowed us to have.

What it does

Using modular arithmetic, we were able to create and layer patterns over each other. Python takes inputs, such as numbers and colors, and outputs the lines by following the instructions we give it.

How we built it

In math class, we had started to learn about graphing and quadratics. Using different formulas, we were able to create a variety of lines on our graphing calculators. Throughout the day, we learned about modular arithmetic and we decided to combine them to create patterns. Using shapes like circles, and labelling different areas with coordinates; we were able to create many lines with formulas such as 4x^2+2 or 4x+4.

Challenges we ran into

This was our first big project working with another person virtually. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have clear communication during the process of designing and coding. It was extremely difficult to both work on the program at the same time because neither of us knew the logic or approach of the other person. Sometimes, we would change the code without telling the other person, making them confused. One thing that we have learned is to always have the other person aware of your thoughts and ideas. After talking about the approach in Slack, we both had a clearer idea of our roles and what to do.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Both of us spent all day on this project. One thing we are proud of is how we were able to stay motivated and pace ourselves during the entire process. This was a big project for us to do in one day, but we persevered and managed to get it done. I can't begin to count the number of times we almost threw in the towel. However, we were both determined to finish the project and learn. We are most proud of not giving up and learning from the mistakes that we made.

What we learned

Google, GeeksforGeeks, and Stack Overflow are life savers. Research was a big part of this project, and a lot of time was spent on those websites. We have discovered so many new sites and resources to learn from in the future. We learned that it was ok to not know how to do anything. From tasks like creating circles to setting colors, we had little to no idea on how to do them. Luckily, we were able to solve them with research. One takeaway from today is to research and that it's ok to not know anything.

What's next for Art with Python Turtle

Despite the near mental breakdowns due to syntax errors, we loved the challenge of coding. It was so rewarding to watch the first lines slowly appear on the screen. We had the idea that kids would also like creating art too. We think that by using a slightly modified program with inputs that allow the user to choose the formulas; many kids would learn a lot about equations. Watching how the lines are different based on the formula will teach them the difference between linear equations, and quadratics.