So, I was checking out the “What’s Hot” section in the iTunes app store not too long agao when I stumbled upon Brown Sharpie, a collection of mathematical cartoons “inspired by sharpie fumes”, of course!  Not only can interested individuals download a free version of this app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod, but I also discovered that Brown Sharpie is a web site/blog as well.

Even though many of the cartoons reference higher math concepts and may be too complex to incorporate into the K-8 classroom, there are a few examples that could be used with younger students without having to provide a detailed explanation.

Example of a Brown Sharpie cartoon:

Classroom Connection:

Use the Brown Sharpie cartoons (or your own) as a fun and engaging way to begin math class. The cartoons can provide an opportunity to discuss current topics and/or to introduce a new concept.

Better yet: Give your students a sharpie so they can create a cartoon of their own. Doing so can help students to think about math in a whole new way!

But wait… Brown Sharpie is not just for math geeks! The idea behind Brown Sharpie can be used in any content area. Have students create a cartoon about a topic and/or vocabulary word(s) being learned in English, history, science, music or art class. Imagine the meaningful context that can be developed by completing a classroom activity like this one!

If you really want to get adventurous, have students create cartoons using programs such as Paint, Power Point and the like. These computer generated cartoons can be saved and then uploaded to a class web site, wiki and/or blog.

Example of a student created cartoon:

Note: Because some of the cartoons on Brown Sharpie make adult references (i.e. alcohol), it is best to preview the examples prior to displaying them to your class.