Ho, Anne. (2020). Prejudiced Polygons. In S. Bowen (Ed.), Math Circle Activity Database. American Institute of Mathematics. https://mathcircles.org/activity/prejudiced-polygons
Prejudiced Polygons
Math Circles: Coastal Carolina University Math Teachers’ Circle, MTC Network
We adapt “Parable of the Polygons” (Vi Hart and Nicky Case), an online simulation on diversity and segregation, into an appropriate MTC session. The session is interactive, and offers multiple layers of content depending on the age and comfort level of students with conversations on social issues.
These levels include:
(1) an exercise in fractions,
(2) an introduction to game theory,
(3) an invitation for students to think about the benefits of diverse groups, and
(4) a discussion of how individual biases, no matter how small, can lead to detrimental societal effects like segregation.
Triangles and Squares live together in neighborhoods. However, the Polygons all believe two things: “I am unhappy if fewer than 1/3 of my immediate neighbors are like me.” and “I am unhappy if I have no immediate neighbors.”
Activity Guide
This guide looks at the activity in detail and goes into the underlying math.
Desmos Activity
Students can work through the activity and answer questions. Teachers can assign work to students, view work, and control activity pace.
Digital App
This app by Vi Hart and Nicky Case allows for simulations of polygon's freely moving around a neighborhood according to set biases.
