Algebraic Art Gallery
Created bySubrata Das
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Algebraic Art Gallery

Grade 7Math2 days
5.0 (1 rating)
In this project, 7th-grade students design an art gallery where the dimensions of the artworks are determined by algebraic expressions. They manipulate these expressions to explore how changes impact the art's aesthetic and mathematical properties, specifically focusing on perimeter and area calculations. Students create art pieces using geometric shapes with algebraic dimensions, calculate total perimeter and area, and present their work, connecting mathematical concepts with artistic design.
Algebraic ExpressionsPerimeterAreaGeometric ShapesArtistic DesignMathematical ConceptsVisual Communication
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an art gallery where the dimensions of the artworks are determined by algebraic expressions, and how do changes in those expressions impact the overall aesthetic and mathematical properties of the gallery?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can algebraic expressions represent real-world measurements and shapes?
  • How does changing the variables in an algebraic expression affect the final outcome (the art piece)?
  • In what ways can art be used to communicate mathematical ideas?
  • How can we add algebraic expressions to find the perimeter and area of different shapes in our art?
  • How do coefficients and constants affect the size and position of shapes represented by algebraic expressions?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand how algebraic expressions can represent dimensions in art.
  • Learn to manipulate algebraic expressions to change the size and shape of art pieces.
  • Apply addition of algebraic expressions to calculate perimeter and area.
  • Communicate mathematical ideas through art.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.1
Primary
Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.Reason: This standard directly addresses the addition and manipulation of algebraic expressions, which is a core component of the project.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Design a Community Mural

The local community is commissioning a mural, but the design specifications are given only in algebraic terms. Students must collaborate to interpret these expressions and create a visually appealing mural design that meets the community's needs.

Algebraic Art Auction

Host an art auction where the artwork's value is determined by the complexity and accuracy of the algebraic expressions used in its creation. Students create and bid on artwork, justifying the value of their pieces based on their algebraic properties.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Algebraic Expression Basics

Students will start by learning the basic components of algebraic expressions and how they can represent real-world measurements.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review vocabulary: variable, coefficient, constant, term.
2. Practice identifying the parts of algebraic expressions.
3. Translate simple measurements (e.g., length of a line, width of a rectangle) into algebraic expressions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA worksheet with correctly identified parts of algebraic expressions and translations of measurements into algebraic expressions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLaying the groundwork for CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.1 by understanding the components of algebraic expressions.
Activity 2

Shape Dimensions with Algebra

Students will design basic geometric shapes where the dimensions are represented by algebraic expressions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a shape (e.g., square, rectangle, triangle).
2. Assign algebraic expressions to the dimensions of the shape (e.g., length = x + 3, width = 2x).
3. Draw the shape with the assigned algebraic dimensions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA drawing of geometric shapes with labeled algebraic dimensions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApplying algebraic expressions to represent real-world measurements and shapes, aligning with CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.1.
Activity 3

Perimeter Calculations

Students will calculate the perimeter of their shapes by adding the algebraic expressions representing the side lengths.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Write an expression for the perimeter of the shape by adding all side lengths.
2. Simplify the expression by combining like terms.
3. Substitute a value for the variable (e.g., x = 2) to find the numerical perimeter.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA simplified algebraic expression for the perimeter of the shape, along with a calculated numerical perimeter for a given value of the variable.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly addressing the addition of algebraic expressions to calculate perimeter, in line with CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.1.
Activity 4

Area Calculations

Students will calculate the area of their shapes, involving multiplication and addition of algebraic expressions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Write an expression for the area of the shape (e.g., for a rectangle: Area = length * width).
2. Simplify the expression.
3. Substitute a value for the variable to find the numerical area.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA simplified algebraic expression for the area of the shape, along with a calculated numerical area for a given value of the variable.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsExtending the application of algebraic expressions to calculate area, further reinforcing CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.1.
Activity 5

Algebraic Art Piece Creation

Students will create a final art piece using multiple shapes with algebraic dimensions, calculating the total perimeter and area of the composite shape.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Combine multiple shapes with algebraic dimensions to create a unique art piece.
2. Calculate the total perimeter of the art piece by adding the perimeters of all shapes.
3. Calculate the total area of the art piece by adding the areas of all shapes.
4. Present the art piece with all algebraic expressions and calculations clearly displayed.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed art piece with all dimensions defined by algebraic expressions, along with calculations for total perimeter and area.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsComprehensive application of algebraic expression manipulation and addition to create a final art piece, fully aligning with CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.1.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Algebraic Art Gallery Rubric

Category 1

Algebraic Representation

Accurately translates real-world measurements and shapes into algebraic expressions.
Criterion 1

Expression Accuracy

How accurately the student represents dimensions using algebraic expressions.

Exemplary
4 Points

Algebraic expressions precisely represent dimensions with correct use of variables, coefficients, and constants.

Proficient
3 Points

Algebraic expressions accurately represent dimensions with minor errors in coefficients or constants.

Developing
2 Points

Algebraic expressions represent dimensions but contain significant errors in variables, coefficients, or constants.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to represent dimensions using algebraic expressions; expressions are largely inaccurate.

Category 2

Perimeter and Area Calculations

Correctly calculates the perimeter and area of shapes using algebraic expressions and simplifies the expressions accurately.
Criterion 1

Calculation Accuracy

The accuracy of perimeter and area calculations using algebraic expressions.

Advanced
5 Points

Demonstrates exceptional mastery and innovation beyond standard expectations

Exemplary
4 Points

Perimeter and area calculations are entirely accurate, with correct simplification and substitution.

Proficient
3 Points

Perimeter and area calculations are mostly accurate with minor errors in simplification or substitution.

Developing
2 Points

Perimeter and area calculations contain significant errors in simplification or substitution.

Beginning
1 Points

Unable to calculate perimeter and area accurately using algebraic expressions.

Category 3

Artistic Design and Presentation

Effectively communicates mathematical ideas through artistic design and presents the work clearly and aesthetically.
Criterion 1

Visual Communication

How effectively the art piece communicates mathematical concepts.

Exemplary
4 Points

Art piece creatively and clearly communicates mathematical ideas with a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design.

Proficient
3 Points

Art piece effectively communicates mathematical ideas with a generally pleasing design.

Developing
2 Points

Art piece attempts to communicate mathematical ideas, but the design is unclear or lacks aesthetic appeal.

Beginning
1 Points

Art piece does not effectively communicate mathematical ideas and lacks a clear design.

Criterion 2

Presentation Clarity

The clarity and organization of the presentation of the art piece, including algebraic expressions and calculations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presentation is exceptionally clear, organized, and visually appealing, with all algebraic expressions and calculations displayed logically and neatly.

Proficient
3 Points

Presentation is clear and organized, with all algebraic expressions and calculations displayed logically.

Developing
2 Points

Presentation is somewhat disorganized, making it difficult to follow the algebraic expressions and calculations.

Beginning
1 Points

Presentation is disorganized and unclear, with algebraic expressions and calculations missing or difficult to understand.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How did your understanding of algebraic expressions evolve as you worked on this art gallery project?

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Question 2

What was the most challenging aspect of using algebraic expressions to design your art gallery, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 3

How did manipulating algebraic expressions to change the dimensions of your artwork impact the overall aesthetic? Give specific examples.

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Question 4

In what ways did this project help you see the connection between math and art?

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Question 5

If you were to do this project again, what would you do differently in terms of your algebraic expressions or art design?

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