All grades  Project 5 weeks

GeoGem Creations: Printing Shiny Geometry

Xavi R
Updated
Collaboration
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Content Expertise
Self Directed Learning
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a collaborative artistic process that integrates mathematical concepts with creative design. Through the creation of geometry-inspired jewelry, students will develop critical thinking skills, explore geometric principles, and practice effective communication. By examining examples of mathematical beauty such as fractals, tessellations, and symmetry, while calculating volumes with upper and lower bounds, students will enhance their understanding of mathematics' role in art. This project encourages students to co-design, problem-solve, and express their creativity while learning to appreciate the intersection of mathematics and art. By participating in exhibitions and reflecting on their journey, students deepen their understanding of their capabilities and the relevance of their work to both their personal interests and the broader community.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively design and create jewelry inspired by geometric beauty, fostering skills in project co-design and shared decision-making. They will enhance critical thinking by exploring diverse geometric principles, such as the use of mathematical concepts like symmetry, tessellations, and the golden ratio, to tackle design challenges. Learners will deepen their content expertise by calculating the volume of 3D objects and using approximation by upper and lower bounds for cost estimation, while practicing self-directed learning through reflection and peer feedback. They will engage in effective communication through jewel exhibitions and presentations. Throughout the project, students will build an academic mindset, forming a strong sense of identity and belonging by connecting with geometric art in their creations.

Competencies
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • 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.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.

Products

Students will create individual jeweled designs inspired by geometric principles, including a step-by-step explanation of their geometric inspirations and processes. They will calculate volume using approximation by upper and lower bounds to inform their design's feasibility and material considerations. The final project will include a physical jewel crafted through 3D printing and lost-wax casting. Alongside their personal jewels, students will collaboratively design a collective jewel, integrating their designs into a cohesive piece that narrates their project's visual story, showcased in both the Jewel Marketplace Fair and a collaborative mural.

Launch

Begin the project with an immersive 'Behind the Jewels' story event, inviting local jewelers or artists to present their creative journeys. Include live demonstrations showing how different geometric elements inspire jewelry design. To emphasize geometry's beauty, showcase mathematical examples like fractals, tessellations, and the golden ratio used artistically. Encourage students to interact and pose questions regarding geometry's role within the creation process, fostering an inspirational dialogue that will ignite their project ideas. This event sets a vibrant context and diverse perspectives for students' creative explorations.

Exhibition

Students will host an interactive 'Jewel Marketplace Fair' where they can display their individually designed jewels at booths and engage in lively mock auctions, allowing visitors to experience the value computations and hear the inspiration behind each design. An accompanying exhibit will feature a collaborative, cohesive mural representing a collective jewel design that integrates all students' work using geometric principles. Include math-inspired displays showing mathematical beauty through geometric examples such as tessellations, fractal patterns, and symmetry to enhance visitors' understanding of geometry's influence in design. The exhibition will culminate with an inviting museum space showcasing both individual and collective creations, providing attendees the opportunity to appreciate the artistry and mathematical thought involved in their creation.