Today we are creating art pieces using squares of colored paper. Essentially, they are creating visual models of rational numbers. Once the art work is completed, we will reinforce the concept that a fraction is a decimal and a decimal is a fraction, by finding the fraction, decimal, AND percent of each color used.
There is an NCTM article connected to this lesson that explains the connection of math and art with this activity.
I used the resources provided on Artful Maths to copy squares onto 7 different colors of paper. As students began, I required that they cover at least 1/2 of the grid in a color other than white. I also allowed them to use a black map pencil to include the color black in their design.
I showed the classes some paintings by Ellsworth Kelly whose artwork was the inspiration for this lesson.
Yesterday, their Lego symmetry was a loud activity, which was expected. Today, they were concentrating so hard on cutting and pasting little squares, it was silent for a good 30 minutes!
My students really enjoyed this activity! They liked creating the design and when they saw the simplicity of converting fractions, decimals, and percents that all are "out of 100", they really enjoyed the conversion table.
Tomorrow will be a little more of a challenge!
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