Symmetrical freedom quilts: the ethnomathematics of ways of communication, liberation, and art
Keywords:
Freedom Quilts, Underground Railroad, Mathematics, Ethnomathematics, Geometry, Symmetry, Quilts da Liberdade, Matemática, Etnomatemática, Geometria, SimetriaAbstract
Abstract
Symmetrical Freedom Quilts may be considered as links between mathematics, history, ethnomathematics, and the art of quilting. A quilt theme is a pedagogical way to integrate mathematics, art, and history in an interdisciplinary approach. This article combines an ethnomathematical-historical perspective by elaborating a history project related to the Underground Railroad. This work will allow teachers to develop classroom projects that help students to better understand geometry, especially concepts of symmetry and transformations. One of the objectives of this project is to stimulate student’s creativity and interest, because quilts may be considered as cultural and mathematical expressions of student’s daily life.
Resumo
Os Quilts Simétricos da Liberdade podem ser considerados como um elo entre a matemática, a história, a etnomatemática e a arte de quilting. O tema quilt é um modo pedagógico que integra a matemática, a arte e a história numa abordagem interdisciplinar. Este artigo combina uma perspectiva histórica-etnomatemática ao elaborar um projeto de história relacionado com o Underground Railroad. Este trabalho permite que os professores desenvolvam projetos em sala de aula que auxiliam os alunos ao melhor entendimento da geometria, especialmente, os conceitos de simetria e transformações. Um dos objetivos deste projeto é estimular a criatividade e o interesse dos alunos, pois os quilts podem ser considerados como expressões culturais e matemáticas do cotidiano dos alunos.
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References
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