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Summary and Objective
In this activity, students will understand that basic two-dimensional geometric shapes are the building blocks of quilt design. Students will have the opportunity to identify geometric shapes, manipulate the shapes to replicate traditional patterns, and create their own quilts designs.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Introduce the basic geometric shapes that have been utilized as a basis for design throughout history. Create a comparison chart for the Peony Quilt, The Rising Star Quilt, and the Mosaic Quilt.
Step 2.
Click on the Peony Quilt. Have students identify the geometric shapes used to create the flower design. Chart their answers.
Step 3.
Click on "Look Closer." Choose "Zoom In" closest to the Eye. Adjust view sight to 400 X 400. Navigator View. Click on the center of one of the peony blocks, on the main stem near the intersection of the two bud stems.
Step 4.
Ask students to identify the shapes they now see in the close-up view. Chart their answers and compare with the first list. Do they see diamonds, triangles, and square shapes?
Step 5.
Repeat Steps 2-5 with the Rising Star Quilt. Click on Detail 1 or 2 to see a close-up view. Ask students to compare the shapes. How does the placement of the shapes contribute to the overall design?
Step 6.
Repeat Steps 2-5 with the Mosaic Quilt. Click on Detail 1,2,or 3. Open additional windows to view all the quilts side-by-side. Ask students to compare.
Step 7.
Provide the students with a variety of paper shapes (or plastic or wooden pattern pieces) cut in triangles, diamonds, hexagons, and squares. Ask students to try to replicate the designs seen in these three quilts. Students will be able to experiment with the placement of shapes in relation to other shapes. The students will be able to see how simple shapes can be repeated or combined to create more complex shapes.
Step 8.
As a follow-up activity, go to the American Centuries Website to view additional quilts in the Memorial Hall Museum Collection.
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