BVR academics: Using point-slope equations to create Islamic-inspired art

Posted on February 7, 2020

8th grade students in math

Class: Math 8
Grade: 8th grade
Teacher: Elaine Hamilton

In December, 8th grade students visited the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC). Inspired by Islamic art, architecture, and calligraphy—as well as the work of Pakistani-American artist Anila Quayyum Agha—students used point-slope equations and an online graphing calculator to design and code a 6×6 inch tile. These tiles were laser cut out of plywood and then combined into one large, lit-up 2×2 foot cube.

Students plan on sharing their final product with the ISBCC later this month.

Explore Middle School math at Beaver:

Math 8 – Relationships: Making and Modeling Connections with Geometry, Algebra, and Statistics

8th
Mathematics
Interests: Business

This course will focus on relationships across three domains: geometry, algebra, statistics. In geometry, students will examine the relationships of congruence and similarity through transformations and uncover the meaning behind the symbols of the Pythagorean Theorem by investigating the relationship between the three sides of a right triangle. Students will extend their algebraic understanding to include systems of linear equations and inequalities and expand beyond linear functions to investigate exponential and quadratic models. Students will analyze relationships between variables in real data by considering different visualizations including function models while examining regression and linear trends.

Emphasis is placed on communication in verbal and written form, creative problem-solving, and thinking and reasoning skills. Willingness to take risks and productive struggle are also major themes of the course. Inquiry-learning through projects, technology, and collaboration support the curriculum.

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Math 7 – Things Change: Linear Rates And Proportionality

7th
Mathematics

This course will focus on number sense, proportional reasoning, and linear relationships. Students will extend their understanding of operations and properties of integers and rational numbers. They will also develop and use strategies for solving problems that involve proportional relationships. Students will build algebraic thinking as they learn to recognize various representations of linear relationships and investigate ways to solve equations.

Emphasis is placed on communication in verbal and written form, creative problem-solving, and reasoning skills. Willingness to take risks and productive struggle are also major themes of the course. Inquiry-learning through projects, technology, and collaboration support the curriculum.

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Math 6 – Fair vs Equal: Division, Decomposing, And Distribution

6th
Mathematics

In this course, students will extend their understanding of the number system while exploring rational numbers and integers. Plus, they will make sense of algorithms for dividing fractions and decimals to explain why they work. Students will develop reasoning to solve and make sense of problems involving ratios, rates, and percents. In statistics, students will construct, interpret, and use calculation methods and models to describe distribution and variability.

Emphasis is placed on communication in verbal and written form, creative problem-solving, and reasoning skills. Willingness to take risks and productive struggle are also major themes of the course. Inquiry-learning through projects, technology, and collaboration support the curriculum.

[read more]
[read more]