Stahl, David-2015-12-102015-12-1025-1-2008-http://dx.doi.org/10.2312/cgems04-11-1358Spline curves and surface patches have an innate mathematical beauty and broad practical application in the field of computer graphics. Yet the subject proves difficult to convey to beginning graphics students averse to math and theory in general. The difficulty is mitigated by having students complete an implementation of carefully prepared scaffold code. A particular code framework allows focusing student effort on understanding the algorithm and the theory rather than the visualization details. In this manner understanding is developed and reinforced by means of an exercise no more difficult than a short lab assignment.2D and 3D modelingAlgorithm developmentRenderingAlgorithmicFundamentalsMathematics10.2312/cgems04-11-1358David Stahl-2D and 3D modeling, Algorithm development, Rendering, Algorithmic, Fundamentals: Mathematics