Name Pattern Designs

This is a great project that ties together math, art, and social studies.  We looked at the repeating patterns and shapes in Islamic tile designs (they are studying Islam in social studies) for inspiration.

The tutorial for this project is in a blogpost I made earlier.  The only difference is that this year we used light tables to trace the image through the triangles.

Name Designs-- Inspired by Islamic Art-- 5th/6th grade

In this project, we studied the repeating patterns found in Islamic art.  These students have studied about Islam in their Social Studies class.  This project also ties into geometry and math.  I have been doing this project for a few years now, and the results have always been stunning!  I originally found this lesson in an old School Arts magazine from the 90's.  Last year, I posted a tutorial with steps to achieve the designs.

Islamic Tile Design

Islamic Art
In this project the 5/6s are tying together Social Studies, Math and Art! They are making a geometric tile design (based on their name) using repeating shapes and patterns. They viewed a slide show about characteristics of Islamic art and the variety of types of Islamic art.

Step 1:  Cut 12 x 12" piece of paper.  Fold in half then in half again.

Step 2:  Open and fold one more time, diagonally.

Step Three:  Write your name on one triangle from top to bottom of the triangle.  Use block or bubble letters.

Step Four:  Use carbon paper to flip and flop and trace the name on to each of the triangles.  The name will be a radial design all around.  This is the trickiest part for the kids.

Finally, use markers to draw patterns on the shapes. Use the same colors/patterns on the same letters all the way around.  We used regular markers and also Crayola Color Switcher markers for added pizazz. 

Work in progress by 6th grader