Mathematical Art: Day 1 and 2

Due to the fact that we are administering STAAR tests the next three days, we are unable to use our Chromebooks.  So, this was a great time to bring back in some art in math.

Actually, we began this part of STEAM on Friday while I was out.  I was in College Station at Texas A&M attending my younger daughter's graduation in Architecture.  Not proud or anything!

So, on Friday, I asked my sub to have my students complete a mathematical art activity entitled "Insect Symmetry".  I have found most of the activities I will be using on a site called "Artful Maths."

https://www.artfulmaths.com/mathematical-art-lessons.html

Students were to view the slide show that is included as a resource to see the art that has been created using images of insects.  They were then given an insect to create symmetry with from the additional resource given.  After creating their design within the half image given to them, they used a MIRA (see Kaleidoscopic Octagons) to create an exact reflection to trace.

I was pleased to see the finished products when I returned to school this morning.

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Today, we continued working with symmetry, but we used Lego bricks to create the designs.  This activity was found on Teacher's Pay Teachers and was a free download.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/LEGO-Symmetry-and-Graphing-3101199

Students were to use 16 x 8 flats to create a symmetrical design on their flat.  They were allowed to create symmetrical designs that rose off the flat as well.  Once they were happy with the design.  Students took a photo of their design and emailed it to themselves.  Then they took apart their design and graphed the Lego bricks used.

Because, we have 90 minute classes and have no access to computers, I had to make sure to have additional activities to do.  So, when finished with this activity, students made sure that their Insect Symmetry was complete from Friday.  If it was, I had a set of mystery pictures for students to complete.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Activities-Summer-Coordinate-Graphing-Pictures-459640