By Sarah Alejandro

I worked with a partner to create
an activity called, “Geometry on a Canvas” for middle school students using a
weaving net, yarn, a needle, a variety of designs of different sizes. This
activity was inspired by the style of weaving typically
seen in Mexican culture. My partner and I chose this activity because we are
familiar with this type of weaving since we are from a Hispanic background. Looking
at different kinds of patterns,
they are traditionally symmetrical designs. We decided that this would be an
interesting activity to bring up the idea of 2D shapes without actually teaching
about them. We also wanted to extend the activity a bit further by including 3D
shapes so we came up with the idea of making a tissue box cover. We discovered
some modern day patterns the students would be interested in making on Pinterest. This activity would encourage students to become mathematical engineers by
constructing a tissue box cover while concentrating on making sure the designs
they chose looked symmetrical.
My goal for this activity was to
give students the opportunity to use their knowledge of geometry and
engineering to create a work of art. When I presented the activity to my group
of students, I had them choose whichever design they wanted from the twenty
different ones I had provided. Once they got started, all they
had to do was keep referring back to their design template to see how many
squares they needed to sow before changing colors. While they were sewing, we
discussed the different shapes and properties in their designs.
One student had forgotten where she was on the template so I went over to help. This is when I noticed that I could use this as an opportunity to explain the idea of graphs. I explained to her that she could label the columns and rows so it would be easier for her to keep track of where she was.
One student had forgotten where she was on the template so I went over to help. This is when I noticed that I could use this as an opportunity to explain the idea of graphs. I explained to her that she could label the columns and rows so it would be easier for her to keep track of where she was.

"Heart" picture taken from: http://ginghamred.com/knitting-string-words/
"Confucius" picture taken from: http://quoteimg.com/forget-i-see-and-i-remember-i-do-and-i-understand-picture-quote-1/
Haury, D., & Rillero, P. (1995). What are the benefits of hands- on learning? Perspectives of Hands-On Science Teaching. Retrieved February 10, 2015, from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/science/eric/eric-2.htm
"Confucius" picture taken from: http://quoteimg.com/forget-i-see-and-i-remember-i-do-and-i-understand-picture-quote-1/
Haury, D., & Rillero, P. (1995). What are the benefits of hands- on learning? Perspectives of Hands-On Science Teaching. Retrieved February 10, 2015, from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/science/eric/eric-2.htm
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