Fun With Complex Numbers: 16 Engaging Activities For Teachers To Explore With Students

To make your life as a math teacher easier, we’ve scoured the interest to find 16 of the best complex number activities! We’ve explored everything from basic activities to more intricate concepts that provide opportunities for more detailed problem-solving, discussions, and real-world applications. Grab your mathematical compass and get ready to lead your learners through the captivating realm of complex numbers!

1. Complex Number Hunt

This activity encourages students to practice visualizing complex numbers and strengthens their understanding of their components. Hide a series of complex numbers around the classroom or schoolyard and challenge your students to find them. As they discover each number, they’ll have to identify its real and imaginary parts and plot them on a complex plane.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

2. Building a Complex City

Bring STEM essentials to life with this fun activity! Assign students the task of creating a fictional city using complex numbers. Each student must design buildings or landmarks; assigning a complex number to represent its location on the complex plane. They can then share their creations and explain the significance of the complex numbers they used and how they relate to the city’s layout.

3. Complex Number Puzzles

This activity encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills while reinforcing the concepts of complex numbers. Create puzzles or riddles that involve manipulating complex numbers. Students can solve equations, simplify expressions, or identify patterns within the solutions.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

4. Complex Number Art

Combine creativity and mathematical exploration by challenging your students to create artwork using complex numbers. They’ll need to use equations or mathematical operations to generate intricate patterns or fractals.

Learn More: Fine Art America

5. Real-World Applications

Explore real-world applications of complex numbers, such as electrical engineering, signal processing, or quantum mechanics. Engage students in discussions about how complex numbers play a vital role in these fields and encourage them to brainstorm other areas where complex numbers are used.

Learn More: Issuu

6. Complex Number Sort

This activity is the perfect concluding activity as it reinforces understanding of the different types of complex numbers and helps students practice their classification skills. Provide a set of complex numbers and ask students to categorize them based on different criteria, such as whether they are purely real, purely imaginary, or have both real and imaginary components.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

7. Complex Number Storytelling

Task your class to create imaginative stories that incorporate complex numbers. They can assign complex numbers to characters, objects, or events within the story, using them to drive the narrative.

Learn More: Mrs. E Teaches Math

8. Complex Number Challenges

Present students with a number of challenges that require them to apply their complex number of knowledge and skills. These challenges can involve solving equations, finding roots, or simplifying complex expressions. Encourage learners to work in teams to foster collaboration and team problem-solving abilities.

Learn More: Math 4 Teaching

9. Exploring the Complex Plane

This activity promotes visual understanding and hands-on exploration of complex numbers. Provide students with graphing tools or software to explore the complex plane. They can plot and manipulate complex numbers, observe geometric transformations, or investigate the properties of complex functions.

Learn More: Gizmos Explore Learning

10. Complex Number Card Games

Students can play games like “Complex Number War”, where they compare the magnitudes or angles of complex numbers to determine the winner. Your learners will love the combination of mathematical skills and friendly competition; making learning about complex numbers engaging and enjoyable.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

11. Complex Number Technology Tour

Take students on a virtual tour of technological applications that rely on complex numbers. In doing so, they’ll explore fields such as computer graphics, cryptography, or telecommunications;  showcasing how complex numbers are used to enhance these technologies. Furthermore, your students can learn about the practical implications of complex numbers and gain insight into potential career paths in STEM fields.

Learn More: YouTube

12. Complex Number Relay Race

Divide students into teams and set up a relay race where each team member solves a complex number problem before passing the baton to the next teammate. The problems can include operations, graphing, or solving equations that involve complex numbers.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

13. Complex Number Debate

Divide the class into two teams and assign them opposing viewpoints on the significance of complex numbers in mathematics. Students will engage in a structured debate, presenting arguments and counterarguments to support their positions. This activity enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to articulate mathematical ideas.

Learn More: Study

14. Complex Number Quizzes

Create interactive quizzes or online games where students can test their understanding of complex numbers. Include multiple-choice questions, problem-solving scenarios, or visualizations to engage students in a fun and interactive learning experience.

Learn More: Go to Quiz

15. Complex Number Investigation

Assign students an open-ended complex number investigation. They’ll need to choose a specific topic or application related to complex numbers and explore it thoroughly to create a report. This could involve researching, conducting experiments, or analyzing real-world data. By allowing students to delve into a self-directed investigation, they’ll develop their research skills and problem-solving abilities as well as deepen their appreciation for the versatility of complex numbers.

Learn More: High School Math

16. Complex Number Reflections

End the unit on complex numbers with a reflective activity where students can be given the chance to share their personal insights and experiences. Ask them to write a reflection piece or create a visual representation, such as a drawing or collage that captures their thoughts on the journey of learning about complex numbers. Encourage them to express their challenges, discoveries, and how their understanding has evolved.

Learn More: ExamSolutions