Hawaiʻi State Department of Education
Peace Quilt
Learners explore color, shape, line, balance, radial symmetry, unity, repetition, and pattern as they make a peace quilt inspired by those made by Hawaiian women in the 1800s. After learning a bit about the history or peace quilts, the...
Curated OER
Geo Jammin' By Design - Day 7, Lesson 38: Kool Cups
Create geometric cups by interpreting directions, informational text, and mathematical concepts. Critical thinkers apply geometric theory (congruent shapes, patterns, symmetry) to actual directions to create a cup that holds Kool Aid....
Exploratorium
Beyond Dominoes: Polyominoes
Dominoes, polyominoes, tetrominoes, and pentominoes are the subject of this interesting math activity designed for middle schoolers. Pupils cut out shapes that are embedded in a worksheet in the plan, and experiment with them by taping...
Exploratorium
Cut-Fold-Staple
Here is an interesting activity that combines paper folding art and geometry. In it, learners have a stack of index cards that are bound together. They draw a shape on it, and cut out the shape. When they unfold their shape, they have...
Curated OER
How to Draw Caricatures
Caricature drawing is fun, and can help learners explore the principle of design and content specific vocabulary. They view a video and books that use character drawings, discuss vocabulary such as exaggeration, proportion, and symmetry,...
Curated OER
Logo Licenses
Third graders find all the lines of reflection symmetry in a given shape, identify the order of rotational symmetry of a given shape. They create designs which have reflection symmetry, rotational symmetry (orders 2, 3, 4, 6) and...
Curated OER
Let the Light Shine Through!
Students display knowledge of line of symmetry by designing a geometric stained glass window pattern.
Curated OER
History and Artistry
Students explore the ways masks are used in various occupations and cultural ceremonies through readings, a play performance and guest speakers. They create a clay mask and a found art mask using principles of symmetry. After creating...
Curated OER
Mathematics in Art?
Fifth graders view prints of M.C. Escher's work. They look at examples of geometric figures and polygons and discuss places they have seen them. Students create their own tessellations. They write a report about the process they used in...
Curated OER
Cut Outs: Shapes and Symbols
Learners create collages based on Juan Quick-to-See Smith's "Ode to Chief Seattle." In this shapes, symbols and Native American instructional activity, students examine the "Ode to Chief Seattle" and Henri Matisse's cutout work. Learners...
Curated OER
Patchwork Quilting
Second graders use symmetry to create their own small quilt squares. They attach all of the squares to create a large class quilt.
Curated OER
Kaleidoscope
Students explore energy by creating a light project in class. In this kaleidoscope lesson plan, students discuss the properties of light and how mirrors can reflect the energy in different directions. Students view a diagram of light...
Curated OER
Quilts and Math
Learners create a pattern. In this patterns instructional activity, students review the meaning of symmetry and explore using pattern blocks. Learners look for patterns in real quilts, photographs and pictures. Students work...
Curated OER
Geo Jammin' By DeSign - Day 5, Lesson 24: Read All About It!
Students listen to The Important Thing About Quilt Design and rewrite an original version using geometric terms.
Creative Educator
Tessellation Sensation
Geometers investigate patterns and symmetry, and examine the artwork of M.C. Escher on the Internet. They compare his style to the floor and ceiling tiles in the classroom. If you have ImageBlender™ software, you could have your class...
Curated OER
Keeping in Shape
Third graders describe patterns in terms of reflection and rotation symmetry, and translations. They design and make a pattern which involves translation, reflection, or rotation. They demonstrate why a given tessellation covers the...
Curated OER
Radial Design Mandala
Students design original radial art designs.In this radial design lesson, students use compasses and a nature inspired idea to create radial art. Students understand the use of symmetry, balance and design shapes in continual patterns....
Curated OER
Posters -- What's the Main Idea?
Students discuss the basics of poster productions. In groups, they follow written directions to make a poster about asthma, allergies, AIDS, or personal safety. They present their poster to the class and reflect on the process in a journal.
Curated OER
If These Walls Could Talk
Learners investigate the influence of the Enlightenment on American society and government. In this Enlightenment lesson, students work cooperatively in groups to define the principles of the Enlightenment, American democracy, and...
Curated OER
Terrific Tessellations
Students explore tessellations that are found in nature and everyday objects. They observe the works of M.C. Escher. Students create their own tessellations using pencil and paper.
Curated OER
Nature Walk
Young scholars explore nature artists and participate in a nature walk. In this art/nature lesson plan, students discuss things artists use from nature then talk a walk to find some of the same things. Young scholars look for different...
Curated OER
Tessellating Art
Fourth graders create artwork showing their own unique tessellating shapes. They apply the symmetries of a regular polygon and describe the reflection or rotational symmetry of a figure or object. They share their art work with the class.
Curated OER
Keeping Us in Stitches Activity: Appliqué Bedcover Design
Students explore patriotic and classical motifs in applique design and technique. A bedcover or quilt is produced using appropriate symmetry, color,proportion and composition.
Curated OER
Signal Flags
Students examine the use of signal flags on vessels. They use measurements and symmetry to create their very own signal flag. Students work together and as individuals to solve problems and express their ideas.