Patterns and Post Its at School 7

Human beings have observed patterns throughout their existence.  They have expressed these patterns in numerous ways, one of which is weaving textiles.  The ancient art of weaving can be traced back about 12,000 years.

Many people consider mathematics to be the science of patterns.  British mathematician G.H. Hardy in his book A Mathematician’s Apology, wrote, “A mathematician, like a painter or a poet, is a maker of patterns.  If his patterns are more permanent than theirs, it is because they are made with ideas.”

In a project carried out in Art Teacher Nealy’s classroom, with the assistance of Art PIR Myra Winter, students at School 7 first designed unique patterns, and then wove textiles of colored yarns that expressed those patterns.  In the process they learned how warp and weft threads can be used to create a symmetrical and colorful mini-tapestry.



 

This project combined the concepts of mathematical and physical patterns through the creation of woven artworks.
 

Ms. Bertino’s 6th grade Science class was studying the unit of biology that deals with the driving question “How can one explain the ways cells contribute to the function of living organisms?”  They needed to learn that the essential functions of cells are carried out by internal cell structures called organelles.

To help her students learn and retain the crucial information, she designed a lesson in which they created “Post It Cells” that modeled the structure and function of the various cell parts, and ways the parts contribute to the overall function. 

The students then “posted” their finished products on a bulletin board for all to share.