Quilting Basic Blocks for Concrete Abstractions
This web page provides help making paper versions of the quilting
basic blocks for use with Concrete Abstractions:
An Introduction to Computer Science Using Scheme, by Max Hailperin, Barbara
Kaiser, and Karl Knight. These paper blocks
are useful for seeing how the turning and stacking operations
compose. For example, in our experience, students have an easier time
seeing how to write side-by-side if they first take a
couple paper blocks and try getting them side by side through a
combination of turning and stacking.
There are three options for making the paper blocks:
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If you have the ability to print a PostScript file, we have a PostScript page of blocks, with seven copies each
of five different blocks. You can print that out and cut it up using a
paper cutter.
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Alternatively, we have a GIF version of the same
page. Most web browsers will let you view and print this out.
Then you can cut it up. Although this option will work for more
browsers, the resulting images are typically more jagged and somewhat
smaller.
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Finally, it really isn't that tough to make your own blocks by hand.
Any size square of paper or cardstock will do. You needn't imitate
the basic blocks we show in the book, you can just draw a smiley face
or a squiggle. It is handy if you have at least two different blocks
(so you can make sure the right one is winding up in the right
position in
side-by-side) and if the blocks are
asymmetrical (so you can make sure they are winding up facing the
right way).
For more information, see the parent web page, or contact Max Hailperin:
Email: max@gustavus.edu
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 W. College Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
USA
