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Weaving New Ideas in Early Mathematics

Throughout history, societies have provided space for community and cultural making, whether through weaving container baskets, colorful blankets, or storytelling tapestries. Weaving is also a wonderfully mathematical way to create repeating patterns often found in art while using common, accessible materials. Friedrich Froebel, a conceptual founder of the Kindergarten, considered paper weaving a natural occupation for children to develop problem-solving, perseverance, creativity, and imagination.

 

Join us for a whole group hands-on activity to explore the many ways young children experience mathematical ideas through paper weaving.

Materials Needed:

  • Paper - different colors, 8 1/2in x 11in

  • Scissors

  • Ruler

  • Pencil/Pen

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Download Available:

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Presenters:

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Aileen has worked in education for more than 20 years. She has served in state capacities with the California Department of Education and various community organizations. She has earned two master degrees - one in Educational Technology and another in Mathematics Education, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate studying STEM education at Texas Tech University. Additionally, she is an adjunct faculty member at Fresno Pacific University. Aileen’s interests within the STEM fields focus on ways of designing creative learning experiences that integrate culture and art, embrace identity, and promote liberation.

Aileen Rizo

Scott has 20 years of teaching experience in upper-elementary and middle school grades. He has taught in multiple-subject classrooms as well as single-subject math and woodworking courses. He has served as a coach,  presenter, and coordinator at the AIMS Center since 2017.  Scott's interests in music, art, engineering, and tinkering help fuel his desire for children to learn in playful, experimental, and engaging ways. He enjoys playing instruments in local bands, taking care of his yard, and walking his basset hound, Sweet Pea. 

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Scott Nielsen

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Steve Pauls

Over the past 20 years Steve has taught a variety of STEM undergraduate, graduate, and teacher education courses at Fresno Pacific University. He has in the past worked closely with teachers in the Central Valley through a variety of Math Science Partnership (MSP) multi-year grant programs looking to improve both content and pedagogy of teachers in this region. As an associate director for AIMS Center, Steve is working toward understanding and interpreting the latest research involving the cognitive development and conceptual understanding of young children in science and mathematics. He is currently interested in developing Maker Spaces for the classroom as well as an integrative program involving spatial and computational thinking within the context of science and math education.

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