School of Education
Curriculum & Teaching
Prof. John Toth, Ph.D. / jtoth@hunter.cuny.edu
LOGIC AND SYSTEMS:
PATTERN BLOCKS
for the post modern educator
INTRODUCE THE CONCEPT: LOGIC AND SYSTEMS: CREATING WITH PATTERN BLOCKS
- Explore elements of Math in art: patterns, sequences, rhythm, fractals... Interdisciplinary connections.
- Symmetry and patterns in visual literacy
Aim: Understand how geometry (pattern Blocks) can be used to organize and create creative compositions from simple to complex. Understand how an interdiscplinary practice can fuse two knowledge modalities.
OBJECTIVE: Create an artwork using pattern blocks or pattern block templates as an organizational principle to fuse two knowledge modalities.
LINE OF INQUIRY: How can GEOMETRY in artworks be used toform a language of texture, order, symbolism, mood, tiling, nature, etc.
ART ELEMENT: Geometric shapes as an organizational principle
ART STANDARDS:
The Arts Standard 1
Students will understand and use organizational principles to communicate their own ideas in works of art.
Survey:
How do you define your 'sincerity' as an artist and as a teacher?
READ: John Dewey, Quote on page 189 AE
Survey:
How does your own selection of a art medium fullfill your vital interests?
3:30
10
Brainstorm and identify key art and math elements. Make a list.
Do now: sketch an image that represent your idea.
VISUAL ART: Imaginative Representations
Describe, analze and interpret painjtings that evoke dreams
ART / SCULPTURE / Symmetry & Balance
PAPUA NEW GUINIE / ASMAT
Pablo Picasso, Three Musicians
J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos
Philip Glass - Sesame Street - Geometry of Circles - 2 math
William Forsythe, Dance Geometry
10
SYMETRY & BALANCE
OBJECTIVE: Use geometry as a sketching process to organize complex relationships. Play with geometry. Understand the elements of design; symmetry: mirror, reflective, radial, progressive and alternating.
VISUAL ARTS 1: Create a lesson that differentiates the use of pattern blocks or other geometric shapes to make complex shapes. Then, use many pattern blocks to make a simple shape.
VISUAL ARTS 2 - Use pattern blocks program to illustrate elements of symmetry. Use pattern blocks to create designs or tiling. Experiment with different kinds of sequencing and spacing of pattern blocks. Explore order and chaos. Create a three dimensional solid using the pattern blocks. Print screen to capture image.
SAMPLE ACTIVITY:
PATTERN BLOCKS
Printable pattern block templates
Pattern block web site
In groups of two. Lay out three pattern blocks on a music score and draw notes on the vertices of each shape to construct a simple musical pattern. Use one pattern block shape to create a compostion that is complex. Start by tracing the shape at least 6 times across the staff. Draw notes on the corners of each square, either on the line of the staff or between the lines of the staff.
DANCE / KINESTHETIC: Use patern blocks to map a series of kinesthetic moves using patterns to choreograph a pattern of movements.
blank music scores
3:50
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10
CREATIVE ACTIVITY: VISUAL ARTS 2:
A WORLD OF
PATTERNS: Use
pattern blocks to make imaginative insects, dinosaurs, robots or action
figure.
- Lay pattern block designs out of a piece of color construction paper.
- Take a digital photo graph of the blocks and print.
- Or... trace the pattern block design with color markers.
- Or... draw the design on another peiece of Color Construction paper.
- Or... cut out my Pattern Block template and glue designs to Color Construction paper.
CREATIVE ACTIVITY: TECHNOLOGY
Use
pattern blocks on-line
art supplies - pencil, paper, color construction paper, fasteners, scissors, color pencils.
John's Pattern Block Templates:
# 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, # 6, # 7, # 8, # 9
Pattern Block Program: on-line then print your final image.
How do you use geometry as an organizing principle in different areas of your life?
Discuss best practices:
What is your best experience teaching a pattern lesson?
10
AIM: Understand some basic ways to bring closure to the days lesson. What evidence is there in your work that you understand and can aply an interdisciplinary connection between 2 or three disciplines?
CONTEXTUAL LINKS:
MUSIC
About Scotland
Symmetry & Proportion in Music
ART
Mazes - Labyrinth Algorithm
MATH - Pattern Blocks
argyle, twill, plaid, polka dot, tartan, zigzag,basket weave, plaid, tiling,
bird's-eye, stripe, hounds tooth, check, herringbone, labyrinth, moire,
paisley, waffle, parquet,
SOCIAL STUDIES
Papua & New Guinea Art -
Tribal Explorer
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