Do you know that all flat maps can be filled using just four colors?
It's true, as long as the map is on a flat sheet of paper!
The rule is that one area cannot border another area with the same color.
If they touch at one single point, that doesn't count. This was proven true in 1976!
Some maps can be filled in with just two or three colors!

1. Create a map that only needs two colors.

Open KidPix. Select the pencil tool, medium point, freeform, black. Without lifting the pencil off the slide, make a squiggle design, crossing over some of your lines. Be sure to end at the same spot where you started. On top of this line, create another squiggle. It's very important to end each squiggle where it began. Here is an example:

Now fill in your design "map" with just two colors. Remember, you cannot have two areas the same color if they touch on the sides. They can touch on just one point. It doesn't matter how many areas you create, or what shapes they are, you will always be able to fill in the entire design with just two colors, following the rule that sides that touch must be different colors. Isn't that amazing?

2: Play the Game of Col with a partner.

Using KidPix, Player one draws a design in black using two long loops, similar to the first activity. Each player chooses one color to use throughout the game. The second player fills in one area of the design with his/her color. The first player selects a different area and fills it in. Continue taking turns until one player can no longer fill in an area with his/her color. Remember, an area cannot touch another area with the same color. They can touch on just one point. The last player able to fill in an area, wins!

3. Use four or less colors to fill in a "map" design.

It isn't always easy to do! Click on the links below and save the pictures onto your computer and then open them in KidPix. Directions on how to do this are given below.Try to fill in the pictures with the least number of colors possible. Remember, no areas can share a side with another area of the same color, and you can't use more than four colors!

1. Right click on the picture.
2. Scroll to "Save Picture As" and left click.
3. Navigate to where you want to save the picture on your computer.
   (Freehold Twp. students save on their H drives.)
4. Click Save.

1. Open KidPix.
2. Go to Add --> Insert Background
4. Navigate to where you saved the graphic.
5. If needed, under File Type, click on the little black arrow and scroll to jpg.
6. Double click on the picture you want to open, or click once and then click Open.