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This project can be used as effectively at the beginning of the year when first introducing points, lines, segments, angles, and planes as at the end of the year during the unit on circles when you are studying tangents. This project is highly motivational. If you have some examples for your class to see, it is even more motivational when they can really see the layers and the effect the colors and blank spaces have on a design. Usually after the first year, there will be some students who will allow you to keep their work. I have them hung on the wall for all to enjoy.

To introduce the project, draw an angle and have students measure equal distances with a compass along the sides of the angle from the vertex. Then, connect the points with a straightedge to form a curve.

Next, have students draw several circles and along the circle, mark the distance of the radii, getting 6 points on the circle. Bisect the distance between two points and measure that distance and continue marking off that distance to create 12 points that are placed equally apart on the circle. On one circle, connect every other point with a straight edge (see illustration below). On another, connect every third point and then on another circle, every fourth point. Look at the difference that the patterns make. Then finally, using colored pencils, make each pattern - each a different color on one circle.

 


There are several good resources to have on hand for this project.

Books:

Creative Constructions - Grades 5 and Up (1994), Dale Seymour and Reuben Schadler, Ideal School Supply Company. (ISBN # 1-56451-080-8)

Line Designs - Grades 5 and Up (1994), Dale Seymour, Linda Silvey, and Joyce Snider, Dale Seymour Publications.

How to Enrich Geometry Using String Designs (1986), Victoria Pohl, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), (ISBN 0-87353-227-9)

Geometric Design (1988), Dale Seymour, Dale Seymour Publications (ISBN# 0-86651-424-4)

Websites:

String Art - An Adventure in Line Designs

http://teachersnetwork.org/dcs/math/stringart/

Spatial Sense - Going Around in Circles

http://nde4.nde.state.ne.us/NMSI/mathvantage/spatsense/lesson.html

Curve Stitching

http://www.montessoriworld.org/Handwork/stitch/stitch1.html

Curved Stitching Based on Circles

http://www.montessoriworld.org/Handwork/stitch/stitch2.html

Symmetry All Around You   

http://www.teachersnetwork.org/dcs/math/symmetry/

String Art - An Adventure in Line Designs    

http://otis.district87.org/staff/powelln/stringart/

Spatial Sense - Going Around in Circles   

http://nde4.nde.state.ne.us/NMSI/mathvantage/spatsense/lesson.html

 

 


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