Christine A. Elmore
Objectives
To create designs using the three polygons: the square, the hexagon and the triangle in various combinations. To create a 2D design by drawing geometric shapes overlapping and then painting them. To view examples of geometric patterns in Islamic design.
Goal
To better understand how the square, hexagon and triangle can be combined to create very interesting patterns.
Materials
“Islamic Patterns” by Keith Critchlow, slides from the packet, “The Mathematics of Islamic Art,” pencils, rulers, square and triangle grid paper, tempera paints, paintbrushes.
Procedures
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1. Review with the students three basic shapes: the square, hexagon and triangle. Explain that by just using these three shapes in various combinations we can create some very interesting designs. On graph paper suggest the following possibilities:
(figure available in print form)
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Demonstrate with ruler and pencil on graph paper how these designs can be created. Have the students try their own combinations.
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2. Show other possibilities, some very complex, from the book, “Islamic Patterns.”
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3. Have students create a design on white construction paper by overlapping these three polygon shapes to create new shapes. Each shape can then be painted.
(figure available in print form)
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4. Slides of geometric patterns employed in Islamic design can then be viewed and discussed.