.png)
We don't often associate mathematics with beauty. The word "math" invokes in many people anxious memories of school, and is often associated with formulas, algorithms, and "solving for 'x'." But math goes way beyond that. Mathematical concepts exist all around us, and often date back to ancient civilizations.
Drawing inspiration from Islamic geometric designs that have withstood the tests of time and culture, some of our Grade 8 students used compasses and straight edges to create intricate geometric constructions. Through this process, they came to appreciate the aesthetic and artistic element of mathematical concepts like transformations, symmetry, and congruence, and to see whose principles come to life beyond textbooks and the classroom.
Here are some of their designs:
All of the above were constructed using circles, and lines drawn from points of intersection between circles. Our students reflected on the process and their learning.
One of them pushed themselves with an ambitious design, reflecting that "The amount of work and steps it too for me to finish my figure was intense." This sentiment echoed through the classroom as each circle and line revealed the complex relationship between precision and creativity.
"After this project, definitely geometry will be included too in my mind when I think of math" said another student, revealing a newfound appreciation for the broad scope of mathematics. "This project definitely shown me a different side of mathematics... It reminded me that this sense of mathematics exists all around us, in furniture, utensils, mechanical components, and even traditional Chinese chuanghuas."
Many students drew connections between geometry and nature, recognizing that many geometric patterns exist in nature, and can be seen, "In the symmetry of a snowflake, the curves of seashells, [and] the patterns in a honeycomb." Another student observer that, "In nature, there are patterns in trees, leaves, stars, or ripples in water,"
Some students were quite frustrated by mistakes throughout the project. One of them listen "All of my remaining sanity" on the list of materials required for their construction. Yet they persevered, and learned to embrace imperfection by making their mistakes, "a part of the artwork," as one student shared, recognizing the growth, resilience, and hidden beauty often found within our mistakes.
Our students challenged the conventional notion that math is rigid and procedural. ""The combination of art and math changed the traditional view of mathematics in a significant way," a student reflected, highlighting how the fusion of disciplines can reshape perceptions and enhance enjoyment.
Through the project, students learned that mathematics is not confined to the classroom. It's a universal language that describes the patterns of our world, from the microscopic structure of a cell to the grand architecture of the universe.
Do you want to try your hand at your own geometric construction? Visit any of the following channels for tutorials, then send us your design and we can share it with the community!