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To Quilt Is to Math: Investigating the Breadth and Depth of Mathematics in Fiber Crafts

  • Cottey College
  • Technical University of Munich
  • University of California at Irvine

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study investigates connections between fabric crafts and the breadth and depth of mathematics involved in pursuing the crafts with a particular focus on quilting. The authors became participant observers in crafting circles, conducted 65 semi-structured interviews to investigate crafters' mathematical insights in their projects, and analyzed artifacts through close manual examination and photographs to deepen these insights. We ask the questions: (1) How do crafters observe the interplay between mathematics and the process of a craft? (2) How can crafters' products illuminate the breadth and depth of mathematics? The findings suggest that the different ways in which mathematics and craft intersect either bear the form of a craft-forward approach, as crafters produce patterns and explore it through changes in the patterns or in the form of a math-forward approach, in which crafting directly draws on mathematical concepts guiding the work toward the improved performance or modeling of math concepts.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationISLS Annual Meeting 2023
Subtitle of host publicationBuilding Knowledge and Sustaining our Community - 17th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2023, Proceedings
EditorsPaulo Blikstein, Jan Van Aalst, Rita Kizito, Karen Brennan
PublisherInternational Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)
Pages178-185
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781737330677
StatePublished - 2023
Event17th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2023 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: Jun 10 2023Jun 15 2023

Publication series

NameProceedings of International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS
ISSN (Print)1814-9316

Conference

Conference17th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2023
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period06/10/2306/15/23

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