Lesson Plan #3 - Weaving
NCTM Standards
By Lyn Del Randash
School: Poplar Middle School
Grade Level: 3-6
Time: period 3+

Introduction:

Weaving is a part of Native American culture and tradition. Different tribes used weaving in various ways. The Native Americans in the South weave brightly colored blankets and shawls. Other tribes used weaving for mats to sit or lay on and many tribes wove baskets. Students will learn several math concepts by doing this activity. (Measurement, parallel lines, difference between vertical and horizontal, angles)

Materials:

cardboard, ruler, pencil, string and or yarn, stick pins, darning needle- or paperclip

Procedure:

1. Have students measure a rectangle with the measurements of 4 inches by 6 inches. (I like to have this drawn on the overhead to use as an example) After they have their rectangles drawn, you may discuss and measure perimeter, area and angles.
2. Now the students need to measure and mark with. a small line every 1./4. inch: ( demonstrate on overhead). When they have completed marking, they need to push a stickpin on each of these marks at an angle. I put masking tape on the back when done to prevent students from getting stuck if a pin should go through.
3. Tie an end of the string to an end stick pin, bring the string down to the opposite pin and loop the pin, continue until you reach the opposite end. Now you can discuss the concepts of vertical and horizontal lines depending on how you are holding your cardboard.
4. Very carefully start weaving using a darning needle, some students designed their own by using a paperclip When they begin their weaving, they need to gently push down the rows as they go being careful not to pull or their project will be misshapen.

Evaluation:

Finished project and questions on the different math concepts.