Abstract
This article describes a tetrahedral kite activity that was implemented with grade 9 students (age 14-15). We detail how the three-part lesson provided opportunities to integrate mathematics and art concepts, with potential to also weave in science and engineering ideas. The first part primed students to consider tetrahedral kites, their cultural and historical significance, and the materials needed for constructing the kite. The second part had students create a prototype using nets of tissue paper decorated with mark making techniques. The third part had students create a tetrahedron kite containing cultural and geographical mark making techniques on the tissue paper sides before flying the kites at a community event. We conclude the article with recommendations to help other teachers integrate mathematics and visual arts topics through tetrahedral kites.
DOI
10.5642/steam.XHLG7669
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Glassmeyer, David; Hsieh, Kevin; and Nguyen, Lieu
(2023)
"Constructing Kites to Integrate Mathematics and Arts Concepts,"
The STEAM Journal:
Vol. 5:
Iss.
1, Article 16.
DOI: 10.5642/steam.XHLG7669
Available at:
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/steam/vol5/iss1/16
Author/Artist Bio
David M. Glassmeyer, dglassme@kennesaw.edu, is an associate professor of mathematics education at Kennesaw State University. He helps teachers deepen their mathematics content knowledge through integrating STEAM concepts with their students.