8th Grade  Lesson 30 minutes

"Doodle Dimensions: Explore Dilations & Congruence!"

Mario G
8.G.A.4
8.G.A.3
8.G.A.3
8.G.A.4
1-pager

Purpose

This learning experience invites you to explore the artistic and mathematical world of transformations through hands-on activities. By designing geometric stamps and creating patterns, you'll engage with the concepts of dilations, rotations, reflections, and translations in a creative context. The gallery walk and reflective journaling will deepen your understanding and appreciation of how these transformations maintain congruence and similarity in art and geometry.

Learning goals

Engage in hands-on exploration of geometric transformations by designing and using geometric stamps to create art. Demonstrate understanding of dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections by accurately applying these transformations to maintain the original design's proportions and angles. Reflect on the process by identifying challenges and successes in a journal entry, and participate in a gallery walk to provide and receive feedback on the creative and mathematical aspects of your work.
Standards
  • [California] 8.G.A.4 - Understand that a two-dimensional figure is similar to another if the second can be obtained from the first by a sequence of rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations; given two similar two-dimensional figures, describe a sequence that exhibits the similarity between them.
  • [California] 8.G.A.3 - Describe the effect of dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections on two-dimensional figures using coordinates.
  • [California] 8.G.A.3 - Describe the effect of dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections on two-dimensional figures using coordinates.
  • [California] 8.G.A.4 - Understand that a two-dimensional figure is similar to another if the second can be obtained from the first by a sequence of rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations; given two similar two-dimensional figures, describe a sequence that exhibits the similarity between them.

Products

Design a series of geometric stamps that demonstrate transformations, and use them to create a pattern on paper. Present your pattern and describe the sequence of transformations used.

Launch

Begin by exploring a famous piece of geometric art, such as M.C. Escher's work, to observe how transformations create intricate designs. Discuss the types of transformations you notice and predict how these might be achieved using geometric principles. This will set the stage for your own artistic exploration, where you'll apply dilations, rotations, reflections, and translations to design a unique pattern.

Exhibition

Organize a transformation art showcase where you display your geometric stamp patterns alongside a written description of the sequence of transformations applied. Invite classmates, teachers, and family members to view the gallery and engage in discussions about the creative process and mathematical concepts demonstrated. Use this opportunity to receive constructive feedback on the accuracy and creativity of your transformation designs. Celebrate the diverse approaches and unique interpretations of geometric transformations within the class.