Visual Arts and Math in Grade 8: Mandala

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You will design a mandala that includes specific geometric properties. Then you will identify and explain those properties of your design using digital media. 

What is a Mandala?

A mandala is a wondrous and meaningful design made in the form of a circle. The word mandala is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit and, loosely translated, means “circle.” These special drawings were first created in Tibet over 2,000 years ago. Traditionally, they displayed highly intricate illustrations of religious significance and were used for meditation. Since then, they have been made by people from various cultures. A simple definition of the mandala is that it is a circular drawing made to represent the harmony and wholeness of life or the wholeness of a person. The shape of a mandala is a circle because a circle is the most simple and universal shape found in the world. It is the form of the eye, the sun, a snowflake. Also, since there is always a center to a circle, as you look at a mandala it exercises your mind and draws you into the center of yourself or your topic.

Visual Arts and Math: Curriculum Connections

Visual Arts        

Elements of Design

  • Line
  • Shape and Form
  • Colour

Principles of Design

  • Unity and Harmony
  • Movement

Math

  • construct a circle, given its centre and radius, or its centre and a point on the circle, or three points on the circle
  • solve problems involving right triangles geometrically, using the Pythagorean relationship;
  • determine, the angle relationships for intersecting lines and for parallel lines and transversals, and the sum of the angles of a triangle
  • solve angle-relationship problems involving triangles (e.g., finding interior angles or complementary angles), intersecting lines (e.g., finding supplementary angles or opposite angles), and parallel lines and transversals (e.g., finding alternate angles or corresponding angles);
  • identify, through investigation, real-world movements that are translations, reflections, and rotations.
  • determine relationships among area, perimeter, corresponding side lengths, and corresponding angles of similar shapes

Your mandala will be done with these materials:

  • 11 x 17 paper
  • pencil
  • ruler
  • compass
  • protractor

It is strongly recommended that you sketch out your design before you begin. This will allow you to address any problems you could encounter on your final copy. Be sure that your design includes all of the criteria listed below:

  • Mandala with a radius of 12cm
  • At least one right angle triangle
  • At least one set of parallel lines and a transversal
  • At least one example of a translation
  • At least one example of a rotation
  • At least one example of a reflection
  • A set of similar shapes
  • Two examples of quadrilaterals that have diagonals that are perpendicular bisectors

When you share your project digitally, you will be required to point out each item on the list of criteria and prove that it has been met. For example, how do you know that you have constructed a right angle triangle? What properties does it have that prove it is a right angle

triangle? An example of a completed assignment has been shared with you.