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All grades  Project 2 weeks

Tessellation Nation: Art in Perfect Pattern!

Shelley N
M100 Quantitative Reasoning - 100.b
M152 Reasoning and Proof through Congruence - 152.d
M152 Reasoning and Proof through Congruence - 152.e
M152 Reasoning and Proof through Congruence - 152.f
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

This project invites students to explore the intersection of mathematics and art through the creation of a kaleidoscope-inspired collaborative tessellation. Students from diverse grade levels will engage in hands-on activities, applying mathematical principles of congruence and rigid motions to design cohesive tessellated patterns. The project emphasizes self-directed learning, academic mindset, and critical thinking, encouraging students to reflect on their identities and contributions to a community art piece. Through this creative process, students will deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts while cultivating a sense of belonging and shared achievement.

Learning goals

Students will develop quantitative reasoning skills by applying mathematical concepts to design tessellating art pieces, ensuring consistency and cohesion through congruence and rigid motions. They will enhance their understanding of triangle congruence criteria (ASA, SAS, SSS) to create seamless tessellations. Additionally, students will engage in self-directed learning by reflecting on their processes and using feedback to refine their designs, fostering a sense of identity and belonging through collaborative art creation. Critical thinking and problem-solving will be emphasized as students explore innovative approaches to address real-world questions about math and art integration within their community project. Incorporating kaleidoscope elements, students will also investigate the symmetry and geometric patterns found in kaleidoscopes, enriching their exploration of tessellations and congruence.
Standards
  • M100 Quantitative Reasoning - 100.b - Reason with units in problems, formulas, and data displays to solve problems.
  • M152 Reasoning and Proof through Congruence - 152.d - Given two figures, use the definition of congruence in terms of rigid motions to decide if they are congruent.
  • M152 Reasoning and Proof through Congruence - 152.e - Use the definition of congruence in terms of rigid motions to show that two triangles are congruent if and only if corresponding pairs of sides and corresponding pairs of angles are congruent.
  • M152 Reasoning and Proof through Congruence - 152.f - Explain how the criteria for triangle congruence (ASA, SAS, and SSS) follow from the definition of congruence in terms of rigid motions.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively create a large-scale tessellated mural that incorporates individual tessellation designs contributed by each student. Each design will demonstrate an understanding of congruence through rigid motions, ensuring seamless integration into the overall mural. Additionally, students will document their learning journey and reflections in a digital portfolio, showcasing their process, feedback, and insights gained from the project. Incorporating kaleidoscope elements, students will explore symmetry and pattern repetition, adding depth and complexity to their designs. At the conclusion, the mural will be displayed in a communal area of the school, fostering a sense of place and identity while celebrating the collective effort and creativity of the students.

Launch

Kick off the project with Kaleidoscope Tessellation Day, where students explore tessellations through interactive kaleidoscope demonstrations and hands-on activities. Begin with a gallery walk showcasing tessellated patterns in nature, art, and kaleidoscopes, highlighting their mathematical beauty. Students will then create their own kaleidoscope-inspired tessellations using geometric shapes and colored paper, fostering an understanding of congruence and rigid motions. This launch will cultivate a sense of community and shared artistic expression, setting the stage for deeper learning and collaboration.

Exhibition

The exhibition will feature a kaleidoscope of tessellated designs created by students across all grade levels, forming a vibrant mural that highlights the beauty of math in art. Each section of the mural will demonstrate the application of congruence through rigid motions, with students presenting their work and sharing insights on the mathematical principles used. The event will include interactive stations where visitors can explore tessellation concepts and engage in hands-on activities, fostering community interaction and appreciation for the project's collaborative nature.