Grades 3-6 Shapes and Space

Op Art - HyperStudio

(Activity developed by Wendy Groot, Luxton School, modified by MaryLouise Lisi, Technology Education)

From: Grades K-4 Mathematics and Grades 5-8 Mathematics, A Foundation for Implementation, Manitoba Education and Training, 1996, 1977

The sample checklist at the left can be duplicated and located at all workstations where students will be doing this activity. Because every school’s procedures vary, file names and folder locations on the checklist will likely need to be altered. To do this, double click on the checklist, make the appropriate changes and resave the document.

Rows can be added and deleted as required. To do so:
- double click on the checklist
- choose location in checklist and click on it
- click on Insert
- choose Insert Row or Delete Row as required

Remember that if you make an error, immediately clicking on Edit/Undo... will restore the list.

Like any Mathematics activity, teachers may choose to demonstrate checklist and activity to students before they begin. Schools with large screen projection devices will have an advantage but even gathering the class on the floor and looking at a monitor can be useful. (Large screen monitors can be obtained free of charge from Computers for Schools and Libraries).

This activity is suitable for students to work independently. The Sample File is called "OpArt Example.stk."

Click here to open the OpArt Example.stk in Internet Explorer. Right click on the above link and choose "Save As" to save the stack. 

Follow the oral instructions. (as noted below)

Op Art - Geometry and Art

Op Art is a twentieth-century school of abstract art that uses straight lines or geometric patterns and brilliant colors to create visual effects. Creating Op Art designs involves using geometric shapes, as well as horizontal and vertical lines. Op Art may be used as an inter-related study of art and mathematics and may be adapted to fit the outcomes of individual grades.

Any computer drawing and slide show application may be used to create Op Art. Students create their Op Art designs by drawing a series of step-by-step cards in HyperStudio. Each card represents one step in the process of creating the whole design. Middle Years students may include audio with each card, using the language of geometry to describe the shapes and lines of their Op Art pictures and the process of creating the pictures.

The slide shows are created by making a series of cards using the drawing tools in HyperStudio. Students may choose to add audio using a microphone and the sound recorder built in to HyperStudio. More advanced students, who are more able to include more extensive mathematical descriptions for the shapes and lines, will require more drawing in their slide shows. It is helpful for students to have a "bank" of geometric terms from which to work as they plan their descriptions. Such terms might include horizontal line, vertical line, congruent shape, perpendicular line, parallel line, similar shape, angle, right angle, polygon, curved line, and so on.

Directions: (to be given orally to students)

For the first time, do not overlap the shapes you are asked to draw.

Window, P, E, H (for HyperStudio).

New Stack, Yes, Yes.

Tear off the Tool Box and the Colour Palette.

Rearrange the desktop so everything fits.

1. Card 1 - The first card begins the sequence of Op Art drawings. The student starts by drawing and describing a large rectangle, including its name and properties. For example - "Draw a large rectangle to fill the card. A rectangle is a geometric shape that has four right angles. It also has straight lines." To do this, click on the rectangular drawing tool. Click on Options | Line Size and choose the second line size from the left side. Click on OK. Draw the rectangle. Save the stack - File | Save Stack as | initialsopart.stk (mlopart.stk), Drive T:, LTC | HyperStudio.

2. Card 2 - While on Card 1, access Edit | Copy Card, Edit | Paste Card. You should now be on Card 2 and have all the work from Card 1. Using the rectangular drawing tool, draw 4 rectangles anywhere within the larger rectangle (you can use any number). Save the stack.

3. Card 3 - While on Card 2, access Edit | Copy Card, Edit | Paste Card. You should now be on Card 3 and have all the work from Card 2. Using the rectangular drawing tool, draw a square anywhere within the large rectangle (you can use any number). Save the stack.

4. Card 4 - While on Card 3, access Edit | Copy Card, Edit|Paste Card. You should now be on Card 4 and have all the work from Card 3. Add 2 ovals/circles (you can use any number). Save the stack.

5. Card 5 - While on Card 4, access Edit | Copy Card, Edit | Paste Card. You should now be on Card 5 and have all the work from Card 4. Add 5 horizontal lines - evenly spaced (you can use any number). Choose the Line Tool and hold the shift key down while you drag the mouse across the card. This will help you to draw straight lines. Save the stack.

6. Card 6 - While on Card 5, access Edit | Copy Card, Edit | Paste Card. You should now be on Card 6 and have all the work from Card 5. Add 5 vertical lines - evenly spaced (you can use any number). Choose the Line Tool and hold the shift key down while you drag the mouse across the card. This will help you to draw straight lines. Save the stack.

7. Card 7 - While on Card 6, access Edit | Copy Card, Edit | Paste Card. You should now be on Card 7 and have all the work from Card 6. Using the Paint Bucket Fill Tool and the Colour Palette, fill each geometric shape with different colours. Save the stack.

8. Card 8 - While on Card 7, access Edit | Copy Card, Edit | Paste Card. You should now be on Card 8 and have all the work from Card 7. Using the Paint Bucket Fill Tool and the Colour Palette, fill in the background with one colour. Save the stack.

9. Access Edit | Copy Card.

10. Move to Card 1 by accessing Move | First Card.

11. Access Edit | Paste Card. You will now make a title card by adding some text to Card 1. Choose Objects | Add a text object. Leave the Text Object in the Middle of the card. Leave the background at the same colour as your card background and make the text white. Remove the checks from beside Scrollable, Draw Scroll Bar and Draw Frame. Click on the <Style> button and change the text to Comic Sans MS - Size 72. Click on the <OK> buttons two times.

12. Save the stack.

13. Access File | Slide Show.