Create and translate repeating, growing, and shrinking patterns using various representations, including tables of values, graphs, and, for linear growing patterns, algebraic expressions and equations.
Context
Whole-class discussion followed by individual exploratory activity of math and cultural art.
Provide students with a historical background on Islamic architecture and have them bring in examples.
Review related mathematical concepts – patterns, tessellations, rotations/turns, translation, and symmetry.
Explain that students will be creating their own interpretations of Islamic art and architecture – the infinite pattern – using grid paper.
Students can trace the stencil shapes or simply use them to generate ideas.
As students are working, show pictures of Islamic art and play music from Turkey, Persia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, or other countries where the designs can be found.