Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Math in the Movies / Science Daily:Mathematics

Summary: "When will we ever use this?" is a question pondered or posed by many math students. This article is about higher level math used in computer animation. "Trig for rotation and movement of characters, algebra for special efffects that shine and sparkle, calculus for lights" and geometry for most complex changes in elements of the scenery. It is necessary to run supercompters 24/7 to create animation. One second of film requires 6 days of computer time.

Classroom strategy: The math / computer science aspect required for animation could be a hook for some students to sustain their interest in math through high school and possbily for them to pursue mathematics on into college. Students could do research on the history of animation and careers in the field of animation.

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