ERIC Number: EJ1354865
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jul
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-9120
EISSN: EISSN-1361-6552
SAWstitch: Exploring Self-Avoiding Walks through Hand Embroidery
Physics Education, v57 n4 Article 045029 Jul 2022
A self-avoiding walk (SAW) is a sequence of moves on a grid that does not visit the same point more than once. SAWs are used to study how networks form, including social networks, biological networks and computer networks, and have provided inspiration to scientists, artists and designers. Here we describe a collaborative project which aims to deliver public engagement activities that embrace creative thinking to explore SAWs through the medium of hand embroidery. We introduce the physics of SAWs and then present an activity which uses materials from hand embroidery to explore these concepts. Specifically, the activity makes use of a Maker Kit which contains all the materials needed to create SAWs on an embroidery hoop. We evaluate the impact of the Maker Kits and reflect on the opportunities provided by a creativity-led engagement activity for physics teaching and research.
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Networks, Student Projects, Handicrafts, Physics, Foreign Countries, Mathematics, Mathematical Concepts, Scientific Concepts, Creativity, STEM Education, College Science, Hands on Science, Preschool Education, Elementary Education
IOP Publishing. 190 North Independence Mall West Suite 601, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 215-627-0880; Fax: 215-627-0879; e-mail: ped@ioppublishing.org; Web site: https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0031-9120
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (Leeds)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A