Amazing Walk Through Mathematics

Labyrinths and mazes, formations with either unicursal or multicursal pathways, are based on mathematical concepts as well as design features. Both have been part of human culture for thousands of years. In recent experiments, we have observed positive stimulation and high participants’ engagement in solving mazes and labyrinths in an interdisciplinary workshop that teaches 3D modelling, augmented reality and 3D printing skills. These technologies require skills in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) which can be trained by this activity. The workshop was tested both online and offline at ArsElectronica at Kepler's grounds and in further workshops. It was used in courses for pre-service mathematics teachers aiming to teach them about 3D modelling and 3D printing. Participants aged five to the age of retirement experienced the geometrical attributes of mazes to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts such as mirroring, rotation, translation and algorithm basics. The created mazes from this workshop are solvable, shareable and experienceable using mobile devices.