Manipulative Mania

Sixth graders build figures out of tangrams. In this symmetry lesson, 6th graders view tangrams and identify the polygons included in them. Students divide into groups, identify their tangram pieces, define the lines of symmetry, and use...

An ancient puzzle game meets a modern implementation. Challenge mathematicians of all ages with this mind-bending geometric puzzle game. 

Author Faith Ringgold uses quilts to illustrate her books Tar Beach and Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad. In this integrated trio of activities, young scholars read stories, identify and create patterns, and design quilt squares of...

Fourth graders practice calculating area by creating a classroom quilt. Students are given a 6x6 inch square material they design based on a classroom theme. A sample of the class quilt is created using graph paper so students may...

Learners create a pattern. In this patterns lesson, students review the meaning of symmetry and explore using pattern blocks. Learners look for patterns in real quilts, photographs and pictures. Students work independently to plan a...

Fifth graders examine the geometry of quilts. They discuss the history of quilting, design two nine-patch squares, exchange one design on an Internet bulletin board, and construct a hot pad that is quilted.

Young scholars use the Internet to learn about transformations and tessellations.  In this geometry activity, students use the Internet to define the meaning of reflections, translations, rotations, glide reflection and...

Students listen to a story involving Tangram pieces. Students use Tangram pieces to complete shapes using an outline of a design.

Youngsters explore visual arts by participating in a geometry identification activity. They read the book The Very Busy Spider and identify the techniques spiders use to create webs. Have you ever noticed that their webs are geometric...

Students identify geometric patterns in quilts. In this geometry instructional activity, students view various types of quilts and identify the geometric shapes. Students construct one hundred patch paper quilts using geometric shapes.