Quilts and Math: Quilts provide a wonderful hands-on application of concepts from basic shapes through advanced mathematical concepts

For elementary and middle school students, prepare a large quantity of squares (6” x 6” or 4” x 4”) of different colored paper. Divide and sub-divide ¾ of the squares into right triangles. Depending on the age of the students, you can pre-cut these on a paper cutter and involve them in the cutting. (Triangles are easily made by folding corner-to-corner and cutting along the fold line.) For young students, 4 triangles per square will give them enough variety to experiment with, but for older students, make a variety of sizes.

Using the squares as a “quilt block,” have students arrange and rearrange the triangles to see the different patterns they can create. Then have them work as teams to make nine identical “quilt blocks” that can be glued onto a piece of poster board or other background to make a “nine-patch” quilt. They will find that they can arrange their quilt blocks in different ways to create different nine-patch patterns. They can also experiment using different colors with the same pattern to see the effect this produces, or mixing different patterns together.

For high school and advanced math students, visit this website

Invite students to study the mathematical concepts explored in the quilts on this site and to design a quilt using the same mathematical concept. Ask them to write a statement explaining how their quilt design illustrates a mathematical concept.

Extensions
Have them actually make a quilt or quilt block from their design.

Invite them to explore the mathematical basis for Billie Ruth Sudduth’s basketry in the Basket Gallery. Have them identify a quilt that illustrates the same concept.

Quilts and Technology (middle and high)
For ideas about creating “digital” quilts, visit http://www.princetonol.com...

Clara Fodor’s Stately Stitches Project and Geography
For an interesting twist on the state report project, have each student “adopt” a state, research its symbols, geography, and history and create an “applique” paper quilt of their state using the procedure outlined in the Story Quilt project above.

Fiber Arts and World History (middle and high)
After viewing Glen Kaufman’s work, lead a discussion about the title of his piece. Allow student to guess what the title means. Then show them pictures of historic Mesopotamian Kaunakes on one of these websites.

http://employees.oneonta.edu/angellkg/MESOPOT.HTML
http://www.superstock.com/ImagePreview/1566-248325
http://virtualglobetrotting.com/pic/507/

Divide students into teams and have each team research the fabrics and fashions of a certain historic era and culture. You could make specific assignments or allow groups to make choices. Ask them to prepare a power point to show to the class to share the results of their research.