Student Guide

The Plus and Minus Comic Strip

Situation/Problem:

You and your partner are to create a comic strip that focuses on math, or uses math idea or concept in some
way. You may use Plus and Minus as your main characters, or you may create your own.

Possible Strategies:

1. Study various comic strips (see Math Comics in related link area). Identify their features, and analyze
how they are done.
2. Consider inventing your own characters. Brainstorm possible characters for your comic strip.

Special Considerations:

• Identify an idea in math that can be used in a comic strip.

Ø Think about your characters, what they are like, and how they relate to math. What situations
could you create that show them using or discussing math?
Ø Brainstorm for ideas. Use your imagination. Let your thoughts roam. Think of associations.
Look for a play on words or funny circumstances. Try to make connections.
Ø Look through your math text for ideas.

• Once you have an idea, sketch it out on paper. Try keeping your comic strip to four frames or less. Be
aware of spatial relationships. Since you are limited by the size of each frame, you must design your
art carefully. Try to keep things in proportion. Remember that you’ll need room for the narrative and
dialogue.
• Refer to Data Sheet for suggestions for creating a comic strip (ask the teacher for a copy).
• You may need to try several sketches before you are pleased with your comic strip.
• When drawing your comic strip, use rulers to make straight lines, and be neat with your artwork.
Dialogue should be written clearly.
• If you have access to a computer, and your computer has art and drawing software, you may wish to
create your comic strip there.

To Be Submitted:

Your comic strip

Reference:

Muschla, G.R. and J.A., Hands-On Math Projects with Real-Life Applications, West Nyack, NY, p. 229-
232