Lesson Plans:
Quilt Dilations
Subject(s)/Grade(s): Mathematics, 6-8
Related Subjects:
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be exposed to a variety of quilt patterns (particularly the 4-patch quilt block)
- Students will become familiar with related mathematical terms (“dilations”, “preimage”, and “image”) and participate in creating various dilations on graph paper.
- Students will create and color their own 4-block quilt pattern to be displayed as a classroom quilt.
- Students will review the formulas for perimeter and area of a rectangle.
Teacher Planning
- Time to complete: 1-2 class periods and approximately one week out of class to complete final project
- Concepts: dilations, pre-image, image
Materials/Resources
- Book: The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau; illustrated by Gail De Marcken
- Samples of quilts that contain 4-patch (could use any quilts to discuss patterns, photos or computer images)
- Graph paper
- Colored pencils
- Rulers
Procedures
- Read the picture book: The Quiltmaker’s Gift to the class.
- Discuss different types of quilt patterns and introduce the 4-patch by showing the quilt samples.
- Introduce the term “dilation” and discuss how it might be used to make quilts.
- Practice dilating shapes (could use overhead or graph boards).
- Introduce the handout Quilt Block along with graph paper and rulers.
- Complete the first two directions together on graph paper.
- Students will then complete the rest of the sheet on their own or with partners.
- On the second day introduce the assignment of creating their own pattern, go over the rubric, allow time in class to get started.
- Upon students completion of assignment mount designs on uniform size black paper to mount on the wall as a quilt.
Assessment:
- Students will receive credit based upon completion of the handout.
- Student creations will be evaluated as to how accurately they have mastered the 4-block design using mathematical concepts and formulas.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
- Introductory Mathematics, 2.05
Attachments:
Bibliography:
- Brumbeau, Jeff. The Quiltmaker’s Gift. New York: Scholastic Press, 2001.
-Submitted by Kristine Bates, Mathematics Teacher, Waynesville Middle School, Waynesville, North Carolina