The purpose of this learning experience is to apply mathematical transformations to creatively enlarge a t-shirt design, enhancing your understanding of geometry while fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking. By engaging in this project, you will explore how dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections can be used to maintain proportions and symmetry, while also building a sense of identity and belonging through personalized design. This hands-on activity encourages you to reflect on your learning process, seek feedback, and consider innovative approaches to problem-solving, all within a real-world context.
Learning goals
Develop the ability to accurately apply mathematical transformations, including dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections, to enlarge a t-shirt design while maintaining its proportions and symmetry. Cultivate skills in self-directed learning by using feedback and self-reflection to monitor and adjust your design process. Enhance critical thinking by exploring innovative approaches to solving real-world design challenges, and strengthen your academic mindset by connecting personal identity and creativity to mathematical concepts.
Standards
[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.
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
Design a step-by-step guide or infographic that illustrates the process of transforming your small t-shirt design into a larger one, highlighting each mathematical transformation used. This visual representation should include the original sketch, the enlarged design, and annotations describing the sequence of dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections. Ensure your guide is clear and easy to follow, allowing others to replicate your process.
Launch
Begin by examining a collection of t-shirt designs, discussing what makes each design visually appealing and unique. Consider how these designs might change if they were enlarged while maintaining their proportions. As you explore these ideas, think about the mathematical transformations needed to achieve these changes, setting the stage for your own design project.
Exhibition
Facilitate a gallery walk where you display your enlarged t-shirt design alongside a description of the sequence of transformations applied, allowing peers to provide feedback on your process and final product. As you participate in the gallery walk, engage with classmates by asking questions and offering constructive feedback based on the mathematical transformations used. This exhibition not only showcases your creativity and understanding but also fosters a collaborative learning environment where you can learn from each other's approaches and insights.
