Susan Working
Mathematics Professor
Email: susan.working@gcccd.edu
Phone: 619-644-7290
This is a fun activity which can be done in any math class to give the students a “day of rest” and create beautiful designs using simple geometric patterns.
In order to create a string design, you must copy onto heavy (cardboard like) paper the design(s) of your choice. They can be copied onto a 6x6 card. I actually buy poster board and cut it into squares and then copy the design onto the squares. You can use any color board you like. Black looks fabulous with neon colored thread or just white. You can let the students pick out the threat color.
Materials needed for each student
How to create your string design:
Step 1: Using the pushpin, punch a hole at each numbered spot on your board. Use the cardboard beneath your card so as to not poke a hole in your desk. There is a small circle next to each number showing you where to create the hole.
Step 2: Identify the back of your card as the side with the numbers and design. The front of your card will be the blank side. Thread your needle.
Step 3: Starting at the back of your card, push your needle through the number ONE slot and leave about one inch of thread hanging out the back. Tape this down on your card. The back of your card will be very messy. No big deal.
Step 4: Now find the number 2 slot and push down through the front. This is tricky since the number is on the back and you are pushing your needle through the front side of your card.
Step 5: Now find number 3 and poke through the back to the front. Continue this pattern until you finish all the numbers on your card. If you run out of string, always tape it down to the back of your card and re-thread and then continue where you left off. A hole may have more than one number next to it. No worries, you will just go through that hole more than once while “sewing” your design.
If you are on an odd number you should always be pushing your needle through the back of your card and coming out the front of your card
If you are on an even number you should always be pushing your needle through the front of your card and coming out the back of your card.
Students tend to pick up on the pattern and not look at the numbers on their design. They can easily create their own design as well.
Susan Working
Mathematics Professor
Email: susan.working@gcccd.edu
Phone: 619-644-7290
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, California 92020
619-644-7000
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