The TADA! Adventure Map
(The Tangible Art and Design Adventure Map)
Introductory Points of Interest
Activity 1: Introduction to Tactile Graphics
Introduction to tactile graphics and art, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and creativity while introducing the idea of using technology to create tactile graphics.
Goals: Develop motor skills, spatial awareness, and appreciation for accessible art
Activity 2: Descriptive Language in Drawing
Explore descriptive language and tactile graphics. Practice developing directions for replication.
Goal: Learn importance of using precise directions when creating tactile graphics
Develop strategies for creating pixel art using a grid, braille, and textured paper. Practice how to use a key to “color-code” a graphic
Goals: Learn about color and develop tactile discrimination skills
Intermediate Points of Interest
Play with Colby the programmable robot mouse from APH while incorporating spatial concepts in real life. Practice sequencing and mapping while having fun.
Goals: Learn basic coding skills and exercise computational thinking
Activity 5: Colby’s Mouse Town
Plan and navigate routes through Colby’s town on graph paper. Practice sequencing by breaking bigger tasks into smaller steps.
Goal: Learn foundational programming concepts
Activity 6: Drawing with Colby
Plan and use Colby’s path to create shapes. Use coordinates on a coordinate grid as a canvas.
Goals: Introduce perspective and use of a coordinate grid; practice introductory programming concepts
Learn coding skills with CodeQuest, a free iPad app from APH. Program solutions to help the astronaut return to their spaceship
Goal: Apply new coding skills to complete an adventure
Goals: Use a computer with a text editor program; open and navigate .svg files, alter .svg code to achieve desired outcomes; build confidence with troubleshooting and iterative design processes
Advanced Points of Interest
Activity 8: Intro to Spatial Mapping
Practice using a coordinate plane to map SVG canvas units to paper. Draw basic shapes on graph paper and explore how to mark and measure shapes.
Goals: Introduce a coordinate system for graphing points. Apply spatial reasoning to shapes and dimensions on a coordinate plane
Activity 9: Digitizing Drawings with SVG Code
Learn SVG code basics. Translate physical drawings to digital illustrations. Experiment with different ways of rendering digital illustrations as tactile graphics
Goals: Use a computer with a text editor program; learn how to render and open .svg files; use an embosser or other accessible rendering tool to create tactile graphics from digital media
Activity 10: Iterating on SVG Drawings and Beyond
Iterate (repeatedly produce) digital designs, change shapes as desired, and practice using SVG syntax to prepare for more advanced coding and drawing skills. Use rendered tactile graphics as a means to draft and revise designs.
Goals: Use a computer with a text editor program; open and navigate .svg files, alter .svg code to achieve desired outcomes; build confidence with troubleshooting and iterative design processes