Activity 08 - Exploring Python Modules Through Mathematical Animation! 🎬✨

CMPSC101 :: Fall 2025

Assigned: 7th November 2025 Due and Expiration date: 7th November 2025 End of class (Cut off due date and time).

Welcome to Online Mathematical Animation! 🌐

Ready to bring math to life without any installation headaches? Today you will discover the power of Python modules by creating stunning mathematical animations using Manim (Mathematical Animation Engine) - all running in your web browser! 🎥

This notebook-based approach eliminates all software installation issues. Instead of spending class time troubleshooting installations, you will jump straight into learning about modules - one of Python's most powerful features for organizing and reusing code! 🧰

What Are Python Modules? 🐍

The Module Ecosystem

Built-in Modules: Come with Python (like math, random, datetime)

import math
print(math.pi)  # 3.141592653589793

Third-party Modules: Created by the community (like manim, numpy, matplotlib)

from manim import *
circle = Circle()  # Create a perfect circle for animation!

Your Own Modules: Files you create and import

from my_shapes import custom_triangle

Like, Why Do Modules Matter?

• Code Reusability: Write once, use everywhere
• Organization: Keep related functions together
• Collaboration: Use others' expertise
• Efficiency: Don't reinvent the wheel!

Meet Online Manim! 🚀

What is Manim?

Manim (Mathematical Animation Engine) is a Python library created by Grant Sanderson (3Blue1Brown) for creating precise mathematical animations. It's like having a professional animation studio for math concepts!

What can you create?

• Geometric transformations 📐
• Function plots that draw themselves 📊
• Text that appears with style ✍️
• Complex mathematical visualizations 🌊

Your Mission: Two Animation Adventures! 🎯

There are two parts to this activity, each focusing on different aspects of Python modules through Manim animations.

• Part 1: tutorial_01_notebook.md
• Part 2: tutorial_02_notebook.md

Part 1: Geometric Masterpiece (Tutorial 1)

Tutorial guide: tutorial_01_notebook.md

Create beautiful geometric shapes and learn module basics:

• Import and understand Manim modules
• Create circles, squares, triangles
• Apply colors and transformations
• Understand the Scene class structure
• Static scene composition with self.add()

Part 2: Dynamic Animations (Tutorial 2)

Notebook to create: Tutorial 2 cells in your Jupyter notebook
Tutorial guide: tutorial_02_notebook.md

Bring your creations to life with advanced module integration:

• Animation classes (Create, Transform, FadeIn)
• The self.play() method for timing
• Mathematical plotting with NumPy integration
• Complex animation sequences and coordination
• External module integration

Getting Started: Access the Online Environment 🌐

Step 1: Open the Online Manim Jupyter Environment

Click this link to access the online environment:

• Main Environment: https://www.manim.community/
  • Click on: Try Manim Online

What you will see:

• A file browser with example notebooks
• A "New" button to create notebooks
• Examples from the Manim community

Step 2: Create Your Activity Notebook

1. Click "New" → "Python 3" to create a new notebook
2. Rename your notebook to "Activity_08_Animation_Magic" (click on "Untitled" at the top)
3. You're ready to start! The environment comes with Manim pre-installed

Step 3: Follow the Notebook Interface Basic

Follow the tutorials to have some fun while creating your animations using Jupyter notebooks!

Important URLs to Bookmark:

• Main Environment: https://www.manim.community/
  • Click on: Try Manim Online
• Manim Documentation: https://docs.manim.community/
• Manim Documentation: https://docs.manim.community/en/stable/

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Project Assessment

This is a checkmark assignment.

📋 Assignment Deliverables 📝

You are to submit the following items to your GitHub repository for this activity:

1. Downloaded notebook file (src/Activity_08_Animation_Magic.ipynb) containing all your tutorial work with properly formatted cells
2. Completed reflection document (writing/reflection.md) with analysis of module concepts

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Submission

🚀 As you work on your lab, commit and push regularly using these commands:

git add -A
git commit -m "Your descriptive commit message here"
git push

Important: After pushing, visit your GitHub repository in a browser to verify your files uploaded correctly!

Seeking Assistance

Students with questions are encouraged to:

• Ask in the course Discord channel
• Attend instructor or TL office hours
• Collaborate appropriately while maintaining academic integrity

Remember: Learning to debug and solve problems independently is a crucial skill, but do not hesitate to seek help when needed!

(Sorry this readme document was so long... There was just a lot to cover!)