10th, 11th Grades
  • Lesson
  • 90 minutes

"Tessellate and Bake: Cookie Cutter Challenge!"

Gemma Garcia Caceres

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.