4+ Fun Activities to Integrate Art and Math in Elementary Classrooms

According to mathematician Bertrand Russell, mathematics is rightly viewed possesses not only truth but supreme beauty. Though some are baffled by the notion of a connection between art and math, it is valid and evident. Many of the same skills are used in both mathematics and art, including spatial reasoning and geometry.

Still not convinced? Two words. Leonardo DaVinci.

This Italian artist, engineer, and scientist was the ultimate Renaissance Man, who, besides being a famous painter, showed tremendous talents in such fields as drafting, sculpting, and architecture.

You and your child can make these same connections!

Art and Math Connections in the Elementary Classroom

The following activities lend themselves to the exploration of this relationship between art and math – and provide lots of fun and creativity along the way!

Geometric Shapes

Have students use geometric shapes to create a composition. Younger students can use pre-cut shapes and older students can use a ruler to create the design.

Taking Paul Klee’s famous piece Castle and Sun as inspiration, the child can use pre-cut shapes (grades K-2) or trace shapes with a pencil (grades 3 and up) to create an original design.

A comprehensive tutorial can be found here.

Tessellations

Tessellations are mathematical designs using repeated shapes with no gaps or overlaps – honeycombs and pineapples are naturally-occurring examples of tessellations. They are a great way to connect math and art patterns.

The most common type of tessellation is a mosaic, in which the pattern is made up of small square tiles. There are many different types of tessellations, and they can be used to create beautiful and intricate designs.

These shapes are fun for children to work with and can produce an impressive design with little effort on the part of the artist. Tessellations can be modified by size to fit the hands of younger and older artists.

Want to get started? Check out this video.

Fibonacci Sequence in Art

Where to begin? Fibonacci was a medieval Italian mathematician who is known for the Fibonacci Sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89). Fibonacci didn’t discover this sequence but rather learned it from his math tutor, who was Hindu.

The ratio between these numbers is known as the golden ratio. This sequence is represented naturally in plants, flowers, fruit, and more. Using the Fibonacci Sequence in art is pretty exciting! You and your slightly older artist (9+)  will find a fun and impressive artistic investigation into the Fibonacci Sequence here.

Bold Rectangles

Dutch painter Piet Mondriaan was a pioneer in the 20th-Century abstract art movement. What’s the math connection? Geometry! Bold, striking compositions can be made in this style using paint and painter’s tape, or construction paper and a glue stick. Mondrian’s work focuses on the primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) and the primary values (white, black, and gray).

Teachers can use art in math class for a variety of reasons. Art can make math class more fun and engaging for students. Art can also help students develop problem-solving skills, and help students learn to think creatively. Students can learn to be patient and persistent when solving math problems through their experience with art and math.

Looking for more inspiration for your budding mathematician/artist? Resources abound! Go forth and create – but remember – think process, not product!