Creating the Cosmos Through Multi-subject Project

In mid-September, sixth-grade students combined geometry, design, and themes from “The Iron Trial”, their summer reading novel, to create tessellations in a grade-wide activity. “Students are working together to manipulate the common square into a beautiful pattern utilizing a theme from their summer novel to create their own tessellation,” science teacher Jennifer Licata said. “We are reviewing a variety of concepts and skills in the process. We are discussing the artwork of MC Escher, reviewing a bit of geometry, and practicing skills of measurement.” The sixth-grade teachers regularly plan collaborative lessons in order for students to develop stronger creative collaboration, and critical thinking skills.