These days, art teachers are being asked to integrate other subjects into the art curriculum, to reinforce learning in other disciplines. Though some subjects – like social studies – are more easily incorporated, it can be difficult to determine how to integrate math, science and others.
However, when you think of math in terms of problem-solving and geometry, rather than arithmetic, the ideas will start to flow.The following are twelve ways to integrate math in the art curriculum:
Use rulers to make grids – When discussing grid drawing and learning how to enlarge an image, students can practice using rulers. For instance, tell students to trim their construction paper to 8″x10″, then measure one-inch sections, so that their entire paper is covered with a 1″ grid.
Cut mats to frame artwork – As an art teacher, a lot of time is spent cutting mats and framing student artwork. To help integrate math into the art curriculum, have students (middle school and up) create their own construction paper mats, measuring and cutting them to the right size.
Draw tesselations – Tesselations, made famous by graphic artist/illustrator M.C. Escher, are a fun art project that integrates with the math concepts of geometry and symmetry. Learn all about tesselations and art lessons here at the Incredible Art Department.
Cut snowflakes to study symmetry – Cut paper snowflakes are a perfect example of radial symmetry. Especially for elementary students, this is a fun way to integrate math with seasonal art projects.
Teach 1 and 2 point perspective – Already a major part of every teacher’s art curriculum, linear perspective focuses on depth, measurements and geometric planes, while showing students how to create a false three-dimensional space on a 2-D surface.
Determine ratios for paint mixing – When students need to mix paint to blend other colors, provide charts with paint ratios they can follow. Write formulas on these charts, such as “3 parts white + 1 part black = medium gray” or “2 parts yellow + 1 part blue = medium green.”
Make measurements – Besides using rulers to measure grids or cut frames, take the time to have students measure other objects in the art room: crayons, markers, beads, the chalkboard, posters, paper, scissors, sculptures, books, paintbrushes and other objects. If you have room in your curriculum, provide time for students to sort art materials according their sizes.
Cut paper strips for weaving – When preparing for a paper weaving project, ask students to cut paper strips of certain sizes – 1″x9″ strips, 1″x12″, or other sizes.
Cut geometric shapes of different sizes for collages – Reinforce learning about shapes by having students cut squares, triangles, circles and other shapes of different sizes; the shapes can then be used for a paper collage.
Make tangrams – Tangrams are Chinese puzzles, in which various geometric shapes fit together to make different pictures, or can be combined into one solid square.This can be both a fun art game for students, as well as a way to integrate math into the art curriculum. Learn more about tangrams, and download a worksheet here at TeacherVision.
Teach photography and graphic design – There are a ton of math principles associated with the technical side of photography and graphic design. When learning about aperture, film speed, resolution and pixels, students will be required to think in mathematical terms while completing a digital art project.
Count art objects – A fun way to incorporate math with an elementary or preschool group, students can count along as you distribute art supplies (“Let’s count the paint colors on our palette”), collect supplies (“Let’s count all the paintbrushes as they are turned in”), or while discussing artists and artwork (“How many animals do you see in this painting?”).
If you’re an art teacher trying to figure out how to integrate math into your art curriculum, don’t despair. You won’t have to stop painting and start doing subtraction problems; simply find ways to incorporate measurements, geometry and counting into what you already teach. You’ll be surprised how easy it will be!
You may also be interested in reading Lesson Plans Integrating Art, Gardening and Science.
