8th Grade
Project
4 weeks
Quilt Quest: Transforming Patterns
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Purpose
The project allows 8th-grade students to explore geometric transformations by designing quilt patterns. Through this hands-on activity, students connect math with cultural stories and personal expression. Collaborating with community quilters enriches their learning experience and encourages communication and critical thinking.
Learning goals
Students will understand geometric transformations by using them to create quilt patterns. They will learn how patterns can tell stories and represent cultural traditions. Students will also practice explaining their designs and the math behind them.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.G.A.1: Verify experimentally the properties of rotations, reflections, and translations.
- Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.G.A.3: Describe the effect of dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections on two-dimensional figures using coordinates.
Products
Students will create quilt design drafts using geometric transformations, both digitally and physically. By the project's end, each student will complete a quilt pattern with a brief narrative about its cultural or personal significance. They will also prepare a short video presentation explaining the mathematical concepts in their design for the exhibition.
Launch
Start the project with a 'Quilt Geometry Scavenger Hunt' where students find and photograph examples of geometric transformations around them. In a brief group discussion, students share their discoveries, sparking ideas for their quilt designs. This activity introduces the concept in an engaging way and connects it to real-world examples.
Exhibition
Organize a 'Quilt Transformation Gallery' where students showcase their quilt designs with brief written descriptions of their stories. Invite family and community members to view and discuss the quilts, creating a supportive and interactive environment. Encourage students to share their design process and the transformations they used, highlighting their creativity and understanding.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Launch: Quilt Geometry Scavenger Hunt - Students explore the school and community to find examples of geometric transformations in architecture, nature, and art, taking photographs to share in a group discussion, sparking ideas for quilt designs (60 min)
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Introduction to Transformations - Students learn the basic properties of rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations through interactive demonstrations and group activities (30 min)
Transformation Practice - Working in pairs, students experiment with transformations using graph paper, applying the concepts learned to create simple designs (30 min)
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Quilt Design Inspiration Session - Students review photographs from the scavenger hunt and brainstorm quilt design ideas that incorporate transformations and tell a story or represent a cultural tradition (30 min)
Drafting Quilt Design - Students begin sketching their initial quilt design drafts on paper, using transformations to create visually appealing patterns (30 min)
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Workshop with Quilting Guild - Partner quilters demonstrate how geometric transformations are used in quilt design, providing students opportunities to ask questions and gain insights (40 min)
Reflective Journal Entry - Students write about their experience with the quilting guild, noting how the demonstration influenced their design ideas (20 min)
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Peer Review Session - Students present their quilt design drafts to classmates, receiving constructive feedback and reflecting on how different perspectives can enhance their designs (40 min)
Revision and Refinement - Students apply feedback to refine their quilt designs, focusing on accuracy and storytelling through transformations (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A collection of photographs taken during the Quilt Geometry Scavenger Hunt, each labeled with the transformation observed.
2. A draft sketch of the quilt design idea, highlighting the intended transformations and the story or cultural element they plan to incorporate. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with the local quilting guild to schedule the workshop and ensure quilters are prepared to demonstrate transformation techniques.
2. Gather materials for the scavenger hunt, including cameras or tablets for photographing and notebooks for recording observations. 3. Prepare visual aids and example quilt patterns that illustrate geometric transformations for classroom discussion. 4. Set up a shared space for students to upload and display their scavenger hunt photographs, facilitating group discussion. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Introduction to Quilt Patterns - Review basic geometric transformations and discuss how they apply to quilt patterns using visual examples (20 min)
Pattern Exploration - Students explore various quilt patterns, identifying transformations and discussing cultural significance with peers (40 min)
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Transformation Techniques Workshop - Hands-on activity where students practice creating basic quilt blocks using paper and transformations (30 min)
Peer Sharing - Students share their quilt block designs and discuss the transformations used with a partner (30 min)
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Digital Design Introduction - Introduction to digital tools for drafting quilt patterns, focusing on applying transformations (20 min)
Digital Practice - Students begin drafting their quilt patterns digitally, incorporating at least two transformations (40 min)
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Community Partner Session - Attend a workshop led by a local quilting guild, observing and asking questions about quilt design processes (40 min)
Reflection and Discussion - Reflect on the workshop experience and discuss insights gained with class (20 min)
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Design Refinement - Students refine their quilt pattern designs, incorporating feedback from peers and mentors (30 min)
Narrative Development - Begin drafting the narrative that will accompany their quilt design, focusing on cultural or personal significance (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed paper sketch of their quilt design, incorporating geometric transformations.
2. A digital draft of their quilt design using geometry software, showcasing accurate transformations. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with the local quilting guild to schedule the workshop and ensure the availability of materials for demonstrations.
2. Gather resources on cultural quilt patterns and examples of geometric transformations in quilts for students to study. 3. Prepare geometry software tools and tutorials for students to create digital drafts. 4. Organize materials for students to sketch their designs, such as graph paper, rulers, and protractors. 5. Ensure access to computers or tablets for students to work on digital drafts. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Digital Design Refinement - Students refine their digital quilt patterns, ensuring transformations are accurate and patterns align with their narrative (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students exchange feedback on digital designs and discuss how to enhance mathematical accuracy and storytelling (30 min)
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Cultural Storytelling Workshop - Explore how cultural stories can be woven into quilt designs, using examples and discussions to inspire narratives (30 min)
Narrative Refinement - Students refine their narratives, ensuring they clearly articulate the cultural or personal significance of their quilt designs (30 min)
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Quilt Design Finalization - Finalize digital and physical quilt designs, double-checking the use of transformations and alignment with narratives (40 min)
Preparation for Video Presentation - Begin scripting and practicing for the video presentation, focusing on clear explanation of transformations and story (20 min)
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Video Presentation Workshop - Students practice recording their video presentations, receiving guidance on clarity and presentation skills (40 min)
Reflective Feedback - Provide peer feedback on presentations, focusing on mathematical explanations and storytelling (20 min)
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Community Partner Reflection - Reflect on the collaboration with the quilting guild, discussing key insights and their impact on designs (30 min)
Exhibition Planning - Plan the Quilt Transformation Gallery, organizing displays and preparing to share narratives with visitors (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Digital draft of quilt pattern using geometric transformations
2. Written narrative explaining the cultural or personal significance of the quilt design |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with a local quilting guild to schedule a workshop and ensure availability of experienced quilters
2. Arrange for digital devices or computer lab access for students to work on their digital quilt drafts 3. Gather digital design tools or software that students can use to create their quilt patterns 4. Prepare materials for the peer review session, including guidelines for providing constructive feedback 5. Set up an online platform or software where students can share drafts and receive peer feedback |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Touches on Quilt Design - Students add finishing details to their quilt patterns, ensuring all transformations are accurately applied (30 min)
Video Presentation Preparation - Students finalize and practice their video presentations, focusing on explaining transformations and the cultural or personal stories behind their designs (30 min)
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Video Presentation Recording - Students record their presentations, clearly demonstrating the transformations used and sharing the narrative of their quilt design (40 min)
Peer Review of Videos - Students watch each other's video presentations, providing constructive feedback and discussing storytelling and mathematical accuracy (20 min)
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Exhibition Setup - Students assist in arranging their quilt designs and narratives for the 'Quilt Transformation Gallery,' preparing to showcase their work to the community (30 min)
Personal Reflection - Students write a reflective journal entry about their learning journey and how their quilt design project has connected math with cultural stories (30 min)
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Quilt Transformation Gallery Exhibition - Host the evening event where students present their quilt designs and narratives, engaging with family, friends, and community members (60 min)
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Reflective Discussion - In a group discussion, students reflect on the exhibition experience, sharing insights on peer and community feedback and its impact on their understanding of transformations (30 min)
Celebration and Closure - Celebrate the completion of the project, acknowledging students' efforts and growth, and encouraging them to consider future applications of transformations in art and design (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Final quilt pattern design with all transformations accurately applied
2. Written narrative explaining the cultural or personal significance of the quilt design and the transformations used 3. Video presentation demonstrating the understanding of geometric transformations in the quilt design |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to materials such as graph paper, colored pencils, and rulers for finalizing quilt designs
2. Provide digital devices and software for recording video presentations 3. Organize exhibition space for the Quilt Transformation Gallery, including display boards and seating arrangements 4. Coordinate with the local quilting guild to invite community quilters to the exhibition, if possible 5. Prepare guidelines for students' video presentations to ensure clarity and conciseness |
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