Mathography Project

What Is the Mathography Project?

The Mathography Project blends visual storytelling with mathematical concepts, encouraging students to explore patterns, data, and geometry through photography and digital media. Originating as a classroom initiative, the project has grown into a platform where mathematics is presented as an art form, fostering deeper engagement for learners at all levels.

Origins and Early Development

One of the earliest public showcases of the Mathography Project occurred when Jaclyn Wilson, a faculty member at Robert Morris University (RMU), presented at the 2014 Undergraduate Research Conference on the RMU campus. Her presentation highlighted the project's potential to bridge the gap between abstract theory and concrete visual representation, inspiring other educators to adopt similar approaches.

How the Project Is Structured in the Classroom

IM1, Period 2 Integration

In many schools, the Mathography Project is incorporated into the curriculum as a dedicated module. For example, the Mathography Project‑IM1, Period 2 schedule provides students with a two‑hour block each week to:

Learn foundational concepts such as symmetry, scaling, and statistical visualization.
Capture photographs that illustrate these concepts in real‑world settings.
Use software tools to annotate and analyze the images, turning them into mathematical narratives.

This structure allows teachers to align the project with standard learning outcomes while giving students creative freedom.

Student‑Led Exploration

During the Spring 2025 semester, an in‑class interview was recorded with Shri Shriya Thakkar, a Math 2BL student who excelled in the Mathography Project. The video captures her process of selecting a subject—urban geometry in her hometown—and translating the observed patterns into a series of annotated photographs. Shriya’s experience demonstrates how the project can empower students to become both mathematicians and visual storytellers.

Why Mathography Is a Favorite among Educators

Many teachers describe the Mathography Project as “one of my favorite math” initiatives because it:

Connects theory to reality—students see mathematics in everyday scenes.
Encourages interdisciplinary learning—combining art, technology, and analytical reasoning.
Builds confidence—students produce tangible, shareable work that can be displayed in galleries or online portfolios.

These benefits align with broader educational goals, making the project a valuable addition to any mathematics program.

Showcasing Innovation: Cluster Days 2026

A recent MATH+ highlight of the year, Cluster Days 2026, featured innovative research proposals from students across the district. Held from 18 to 19 June 2026, the event included a dedicated Mathography showcase where participants presented their photographic analyses of topics ranging from fractal patterns in nature to statistical maps of local traffic flow. The positive response reinforced the project’s role as a catalyst for creative research.