Ms. Coutts' Class

Month: June 2024

End of Year Thoughts

June 26, 2024 / / 3 Comments

As another school year draws to a close, I am thankful for sharing my time with all the wonderful students of Division 5. It has been amazing to watch you grow, change, solve problems, stretch yourselves, and experience new things. This year, I hope you have learned that you CAN do hard things! I am proud of how far all of you have come, and I look forward to seeing what you get up to next.

For our community members who are moving, we will miss you! I hope the friends and connections you’ve made here will continue after you’ve gone on to your next adventure.

Wishing all my students and their families and wonderful and safe summer. Thank you for all your support and care in the 2023-2024 school year. This summer, I hope you get the down time you deserve, and opportunities to follow your passions.

With care,

Ms. Coutts

Math + Art – Mandalas

June 21, 2024 / / 2 Comments

Division 5 planned and created chalk mandalas this week. When I came across this giant box of 64 different chalk colours, I KNEW we had to do this project!

First, we looked at examples of mandalas and learned that the word “mandala” is Sanskrit for circle. A mandala balances visual elements symbolizing unity and harmony. Then, students worked in small groups to design and plan a mandala on paper. They practiced how to use a compass to draw a circle, and were introduced to the concepts of radius and circumference. Next, we learned how to use a pencil as a centre point, connected to a piece of chalk with string, to recreate our designs on a larger scale outside. Students worked together to create beautiful mandalas. We discussed how this type of art is temporary and becomes a part of the community, enhancing and beautifying the space its in, even if for a short time.

You can check them out before the rain washes them away near the entrance to University Highlands, or enjoy them in perpetuity on this blog!

 

Math + Art – Yarn

June 18, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Division 5 created art based on the work of Nike Savvas, an Australian contemporary artist. She creates large-scale installations that explore transformations of space through colour, light, movement, and optical effects. Her pieces involve mathematical patterning and 3D objects. Each student created a set of eight plans. Each plan had a mathematical pattern based on the numbers 0 – 15, arranged around a circle. Students carefully chose colour schemes to complement and enhance their patterns.

As you can see below, students achieved varying levels of rhythm and harmony in their creations, depending on adherence to and execution of their planned patterns.

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