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Introduction: This activity looks at additive and subtractive color, light, and conversions between base 10 and base 16.
Prior Knowledge: Some knowledge of alternate number bases would be very helpful.
Grade Levels: 8-12
Objectives: The learner will be able to convert between base ten and base sixteen. They will also see a "real life" use for base conversions.
Resources:
Process: Students will visit a web page that gives a brief introduction to two color models and experiment with mixing different color intensities to create different colors. They will visit links that give more detailed information on color and the relation between base 10 and base 16 (hexadecimal). One activity sheet has questions on color and light. The other worksheet gives the student practice converting between the bases as well as in numerically blending colors to produce new colors.
Learning Advice: Review primary and complementary colors before doing the activity. The activity has a brief explanation of base numbers and how to convert, but in class prep would be helpful. It would also be a good idea to print the worksheets before the students begin the activity.
Evaluation: Student worksheets are included.
Extensions: This activity is a good opener (or followup) to activities on color, color blending, light, working in other number bases.
Conclusion: This activity should make a connection between color and art as well as giving practice in base conversion.
California's Mathematics Academic Standards:
Grade 8-12:
Algebra I
2.0 Students understand and use such operations as taking the opposite, finding the reciprocal, taking a root, and raising to a fractional power. They understanding and use of the rules of exponents
NCTM Standards: Mathematics as Reasoning, Mathematical Connections, Number and Number Relationships
Framework Strands: Functions
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Revised August 26, 1999
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