Conway’s Game of life is a seemingly life-like animation where cells on a grid appear and disappear according to 3 quite simple rules that determine whether a cell stays as it is, or changes. This is usually done with 2 colours (say black, considered to be the live cells and white considered to be the background). Jim Blackler created a colourful version of this simulation which is a perfect tool for exploring how it works. We’ll be using it in this challenge. Jim Blackler is a software engineer who works for Google but has also worked in the video games industry. He has a few interesting maths apps on his site http://jimblackler.net/ .
We’ll be running FREE 5-day challenges over summer. These are designed to keep you thinking about mathematical ideas and promote conversation. Each challenge will involve tiny tasks to do with a key idea in maths. Complete at least 3 of the challenges over summer to earn a certificate. Find out more at 5dc.roots2grow.org.
Some related topics:
- Grids
- Polyominoes
- Iteration
- Functions
To try this activity:
- Download the resource file with templates and challenges
- Print out the file
- Try the website apps:-
- Get coloured pens or pencils
- Watch the video below
Download or share all of these challenges with this pdf and let us know how you got on with it by tweeting using #momentofmaths and start to see Every moment is a #momentofmaths. Please add any photos or videos to our gallery. Here’s the link: View and upload moments
