Expedition 1 · Pixels and Possibilities

Learner Options

An overview of how the Expedition 1 lessons are designed to support a wider range of learners. FRACTAL lessons are grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — instead of a single way to access content, participate, or demonstrate understanding, each lesson offers flexible options that support all learners.

Lesson 1

Abstraction with Paper Pixels

Learner options

Students choose from multiple design pathways that vary in complexity (abstract, symmetrical, or more representational). Learner support sheets provide step-by-step visual guidance, examples, and scaffolded prompts. Students may also create original designs or adapt existing examples based on their readiness and interests.

Connecting to UDL

Engagement

Students choose an approach that matches their interests and confidence.

Representation

Visual examples, models, and scaffolded directions clarify expectations.

Action & Expression

Students demonstrate understanding through different levels of complexity while working toward the same learning goal.

Open the Lesson 1 guide →

Lesson 2

Abstraction with Digital Pixels

Learner options

Students select images of varying complexity, recreate either a previous or new design, experiment with different resolutions, and use Fractal Studio tools at their own pace. Students can work independently or collaborate with peers while using digital supports such as zoom, paint-by-number, and color tools.

Connecting to UDL

Engagement

Students choose artwork and a challenge level that matches their interests and readiness.

Representation

Digital tools, demonstrations, and visual models help students understand pixel art concepts.

Action & Expression

Students express understanding through multiple digital creations, experiment with different resolutions, and collaborate or work independently as needed.

Open the Lesson 2 guide →

Lesson 3

Patchwork Pixels

Learner options

Students choose from a variety of North Carolina nature themes and/or adapt a traditional quilt pattern to create a quilt block. Visual examples, step-by-step modeling, and optional learner variability materials — including simplified quilt block templates and line art — provide additional scaffolds. Students may sketch ideas, work independently or with a partner, and contribute their individual block to a collaborative class quilt.

Connecting to UDL

Engagement

Students choose a quilt design that reflects their interests, make creative decisions about color and composition, and contribute to a collaborative class quilt that fosters a sense of belonging and community.

Representation

Historical and contemporary quilt examples, visual models, traditional quilt patterns, and teacher demonstrations help students understand abstraction, quilt construction, and artistic traditions.

Action & Expression

Students demonstrate their understanding through sketching, designing and coloring a quilt block, participating in class discussions, collaborating during quilt assembly, and writing a short artist reflection that explains their design choices. Learner variability materials provide additional scaffolds where necessary.

Open the Lesson 3 guide →

FRACTAL makes space for every learner to shine, no matter their starting point. UDL shifts the focus from changing learners to reducing barriers in the environment — read more about how the curriculum is grounded in UDL in Getting Started, or explore the framework at udlguidelines.cast.org.

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