The Process

Each of you will take on a role.  These roles will tell you what aspect of geometry you will be studying, where you can find the information to share with your group, and then offer suggestions about how to combine your area of expertise with the others into the final quilt square.

Because the web sites that you will be looking at are not just for students, some of the reading might be challenging. We encourage you to use your classroom dictionary as well as an Online Dictionary: www.merriamwebster.com.

Phase 1: Research Your Area of Expertise

Click on the links beneath your expert role.

Research your geometric topic carefully, and think specifically about ways that your area of expertise could be displayed or represented visually on a quilt square. Be prepared to be informed enough about your topic to tell your group members about what you have learned. What is the definition of your area of geometry? Can you find examples of your topic on these sites?

Patterns:

About Patterns and Symmetry:

http://mathforum.org/geometry/rugs/symmetry/whatis.html

Border Patterns: http://mathforum.org/geometry/rugs/symmetry/bp.html

People Patterns:  http://www.learner.org/teacherslab/math/patterns/people/

Symmetry:

About Symmetry and Pattern:  http://mathforum.org/geometry/rugs/symmetry/whatis.html

Space and Shape in Geometry: 

http://www.learner.org/teacherslab/math/geometry/shape/quilts/quilts_background.html

Quilts and Symmetry

http://www.learner.org/teacherslab/math/geometry/shape/quilts/index.html

Geometric Shapes:

Definitions: http://www.mathleague.com/help/geometry/polygons.htm

Polygon Playground:  (open in Internet Explorer) http://www.mathcats.com/explore/polygonplayground.html

Fun with Pattern Blocks:

http://ejad.best.vwh.net/java/patterns/patterns_j.shtml

Phase 2:  Analyze Quilts Using Expert Perspectives

Review all the sites below and choose one from each heading.  Using the information you have learned about your expert area, analyze and critique the qualities and value of each quilt or rug. Use the worksheet provided by your teacher to critique the quilts and rugs.

American Quilts

Fan Quilt: http://memory.loc.gov/afc/afcqltle/images/le0/le071v.jpg

Diamond Quilt: http://memory.loc.gov/afc/afcqltle/images/le0/le099v.jpg

Oriental Rugs

Choose 2 from this site: http://mathforum.org/geometry/rugs/gallery/

Indian Blankets

Red Mesa Rug: http://www.indianweaving.com/graphics/redmesa.jpg

Koshare Rug: http://www.indianweaving.com/graphics/koshareb.jpg

Historic Navajo Weavings: http://www.navajorug.com/historicrugs.htm

Navajo Churro Weavings: http://www.navajorug.com/churro_collection.htm

Examples of student work:

Choose 2 from this site: http://mathforum.org/geometry/rugs/students/parkschool/

Phase 3:  Submit a Rough Draft as a Group

As a group, talk about the characteristics that Betsy Ross wanted in her quilt and decide how you will create a quilt square using everyone's expert knowledge and the rugs and quilts you have critiqued. Draw a rough sketch of what your quilt square will look like, and then write a short description of how this design fits the criteria that Betsy Ross described.

Phase 4: Create Your Quilt Square

Finally, when your teacher approves your rough draft, you can create your final quilt square. On a 2 foot by 2 foot square of tagboard you can use any materials available to design your quilt square. This should incorporate all three of your expert components and meet the criteria described by Betsy Ross. 

Although she gives guidelines for this piece, be creative in your interpretation!!!

Phase 5: Present Your Creations to the Class

Now that you have fulfilled Betsy Ross’ vision for the perfect quilt you will present your group square to your classmates. 

It is important that you discuss your interpretation of Betsy Ross’ plan in her journal in your presentation, as well as in a short written piece. 

Think about the following questions as you prepare your presentation:

How does your quilt show symmetry?  Does your quilt have a pattern?  Name the geometric shapes you included in your quilt.  Also did you get any ideas by looking at other art online?  What do you like most about your quilt, and what did you have the most difficulty with?