"Tessellate and Bake: Cookie Cutter Challenge!"

10th, 11th Grades Lesson 90 minutes

"Tessellate and Bake: Cookie Cutter Challenge!"

Gemma Garcia Caceres

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Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of geometric tessellations through the design and creation of cookie cutter molds that efficiently cover a plane. By integrating principles of geometry, 3D modeling, and collaborative problem-solving, students will deepen their understanding of tessellations while applying these concepts to real-world contexts. The lesson aims to foster creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking as students prototype, refine, and showcase their designs in a community setting.

Learning goals

Students will understand and apply geometric principles to design tessellating shapes, enhancing their spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. They will gain proficiency in using 3D modeling software to create prototypes, linking mathematical concepts with technology. Through collaborative teamwork, students will develop communication skills and the ability to critique and refine designs, preparing them for real-world applications. Additionally, they will explore historical and cultural contexts of tessellations, broadening their appreciation of geometry in art and architecture.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.MG.A.3: Apply geometric methods to solve design problems.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.CO.A.1: Know precise definitions of angle, circle, perpendicular line, parallel line, and line segment, based on the undefined notions of point, line, distance along a line, and distance around a circular arc.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.CO.C.11: Prove theorems about parallelograms, including theorems about the angles and diagonals of parallelograms.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1
Activities	Students embark on a 'Tessellation Treasure Hunt' to identify examples of tessellations in their surroundings, such as floor tiles and brickwork. This activity aims to build a shared understanding of tessellation principles. Students document their findings with photos and notes, which will serve as inspiration for their designs. (15 minutes) In this activity, students explore the properties of regular and semi-regular polygons to understand why some shapes tessellate. They discuss angles and side lengths, analyze historical examples, and consider cultural significance, particularly in Islamic art and M.C. Escher's work. This foundational knowledge prepares them for the design phase. (20 minutes) Students apply geometric principles to design tessellating shapes for cookie cutters. Using graph paper, they sketch their designs focusing on angles and side lengths to ensure the shapes tessellate without gaps. This hands-on activity enables students to translate their understanding of geometry into practical design solutions. (25 minutes) Students learn the basics of 3D modeling software to create prototypes of their tessellating cookie cutter designs. This technology-focused workshop equips them with skills to transform 2D sketches into 3D objects suitable for printing, bridging mathematical concepts with real-world application. Support is available from a 3D printing lab or maker space. (20 minutes) In a reflective circle, students share insights on how the project influenced their understanding of geometry and teamwork. This discussion encourages them to articulate their learning experiences, challenges faced, and the problem-solving strategies employed, fostering a deeper appreciation of collaborative work. (10 minutes)
Deliverables
Preparation