Math Quilting Bee

Mathematical “Quilting Bee”

NCTM Conference Atlanta, GA March 22 –24, 2007

Karen Kennedy kkennedy@clinton.k12.mo.us Clinton Middle School Clinton, MO

Mathematical Quilting Bee Objectives 1. Explore properties of reflectional, rotational, and translational symmetries.

2. Create quilt patterns with various types of symmetries.

3. Design a class quilt using transformations and symmetries.

Materials 1. Examples of 4-block, 9-block, and 16-block patterns used by quilters.

2. Four-block and nine-block “Quilt Square Challenge” mats.

3. Baggies of quilt blocks 4. Quilt chart for recording transformations.

5. 16-block grid paper, colored pencils, markers, and rulers.

6. Assessment of Mathematical quilt.

Lesson Outline o Review transformations (reflection, rotation, and translation) and symmetry. o Students will complete a quilt chart as they explore recreating different quilt patterns using the four-block, nine-block, and sixteen-block patterns. http://www.mathwire.com/quilts/4squarepatterns.pdf http://www.mathwire.com/quilts/9squarepatterns.pdf o Students will create and write about the mathematical elements used in a sixteen-block quilt design. See the assessment rubric.

Quilt myth Be careful about all the lessons suggesting that quilts were used to guide the slaves to freedom. Check out these sites regarding the validity to this increasingly popular story.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quilts_of_the_Underground_Railroad http://www.womenfolk.com/historyofquilts/myth2.htm

Quilt Square Challenge

Quilt Square Challenge

Quilt Square Challenge

Quilt Squares: cut into 12 squares

Quilt Chart Blocks

4-block

4-block

9-block

9-block

16-block

16-block

Number

Name ___________________ hour_____ Geometric Shapes

Flip, Slide, Turn

Start at * and explain clockwise

Rotational Symmetry (Yes? – give degrees)

Line Symmetry (Yes?, how many?)

Assessment of “Mathematical Quilt” Student completed the “quilt chart“ identifying information listed.

6

Student created a quilt block using translations, reflections, and/or rotations.

Student described in writing the elements of math that was used to create the quilt piece created.

Successfully completed a quilt block that is: o Neat o Used a ruler o Colorful o Design has either line and/or rotational symmetry o Design is appealing to the eye.

Description included: o All geometric shapes used listed. o Lines of symmetry (horizontal, vertical,

diagonal) that applies given.

o Rotational symmetry (give degrees of rotation) that

applies given. o Explain the transformations one would have to use to re-create your quilt block. (Use vocabulary-> translation, rotation & reflection)

o

Used complete sentences and correct punctuation.

3

Successfully completed chart with no incorrect answers.

Quilt block met all but one criteria above.

Description did not include all elements of math used to create the quilt piece.

1

Attempt made with few correct answers or incomplete.

Quilt block did not meet at least ½ of the criteria listed above.

Description did not include more than ½ of the elements used to create the quilt piece.

0

No attempt made or all answers incorrect.

No attempt made.

No attempt made.

Total points possible -> 15

Score____________Grade_____