Explore the mathematics of the paper snowflake! During the five lessons progressing in complexity from K through 12, pupils use spatial geometry to make predictions. Scholars consider a folded piece of paper with shapes cut out. They predict the shape of the cut after it is unfolded, or if it is already unfolded, how the shapes could have been made. As the lessons progress, the images become more complex and require deeper thinking.

Concepts

polygons, functions, transformations, fractals

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the questions as openers
• Form collaborative groups; incorporate the grade appropriate lesson as a performance task

Classroom Considerations

• Learners should have experience with polygons prior to the lessons

Pros

• Maintains the same context throughout the five problems to highlight the progression of the standards
• Includes a detailed explanation of each lesson and its focus

Cons

• None

Common Core

K.G.A.1 K.G.A.2 K.G.B.5 1.G.A.3 2.G.A.2 2.G.A.3 3.MD.C.5.a 3.MD.C.5.b 3.MD.D.8 4.G.A.3 7.G.B.6 8.F.A.1 8.G.A.1.a HSF-IF.A.1 HSF-BF.A.1.a MP6 MP7