Abstraction

We will explore the concept of Abstraction in the context of exploring geometry using MIT’s popular Scratch software and 3D Modelling using OpenSCAD. Scratch is a great introductory tool for students to explore coding with its intuitive drag and drop environment. OpenSCAD offers a unique approach to 3D Modelling using code.

Please Bring:

What we are Using:

Online Versions:

Laptop (Mac/PC) or

Chromebook or

Tablet (iOS/Android)

Exploring Geometry in Scratch

3D Modelling in OpenSCAD

What could you create?

ab·strac·tion \ ab-ˈstrak-shən , əb- \ noun

Abstraction allows us to create a general idea of what the problem is and how to solve it. Abstraction is the process of filtering out – ignoring - the characteristics of patterns that we don't need in order to concentrate on those that we do. It is also the filtering out of specific details. From this we create a representation (idea) of what we are trying to solve. This helps us form our idea of the problem.

What is Abstraction? - BBC

Abstraction in Everyday Things

Transit Maps

When we analyze a transit map we omit unnecessary data (geographic accuracy, street names, topography) to allow the user to focus on the important facts (station names, transfer stations, different routes).

Data Representation

If I say the words ‘tree’ and 'root' you know what those represent. However, I could be talking about an elm tree or a directory tree. The abstraction helps us communicate and think about the way our data is accessed.

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