I was very excited when I found out that our CTL class was going to be taking a field trip to Washington D.C. to study how art is incorporated into mathematics. I really enjoyed visiting the textile museum and seeing the different ways that art can be seen in quilts. The quilts had so much symmetry in them and were beautifully made. I had never analyzed the art of quilting and it was very neat looking at the quilts from this point of view. The people who made these quilts probably never realized that they were doing math while they were quilting.

I also enjoyed being able to tour the city. Since we were in D.C. for the purpose of seeing how math can be found in different things, I was constantly trying to find symmetry in what I was seeing. It is amazing how much math can be found in the world when you start looking for it.

This field trip was a great experience for me. It gave me great ideas of how I can show my students the ways math can be found in everyday life. I think that the field trip was a great idea and was very beneficial to all involved. I also believe that a trip of this type would be beneficial to future students who take this course.

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Ali Acree

The trip to Washington D.C. was an amazing experience from all aspects.

Honestly, when looking back on the trip, the first thing that stands out is the friendships gained. I think as a class, we truly became closer as friends, which is very important when working so closely with the same group of people for the next two years (or one year now). The textile museum was the best part of the trip for me, and this stands out for me because we studied this so much in Dr. McCrory's class this year. All semester we have been studying symmetries and strip patterns, wheel patterns, and wallpaper patterns. By going to the museum, we actually got to see where these patterns had been used. I also gained a lot of cultural knowledge not only from the Islamic Mosque, but also from looking at the different textiles made from different cultures. I didn't realize how much of the culture can be expressed in a carpet.

This experience has made me even more excited and prepared for teaching mathematics. I feel like this would be a great lesson when teaching geometry, and I already have a power point presentation that I would be able to use. I think this is a great topic to teach in high school, because it can be integrated into history and social studies with mathematics. The trip influenced me so much that I couldn't even go sightseeing in Washington D.C. without noticing the symmetries in everything. I took pictures of the Washington monument and the reflecting pool because it showed the symmetry of reflection.

The only thing that I can think of when planning for next year is maybe going to other of the Smithsonian Museums and see how math relates to other things besides Islamic art. Also, I really enjoyed hearing about the Islamic culture, but I'm afraid it could have been offending to someone else, since all they talked about was their faith.

This trip was definitely unforgettable, not only was it a learning experience but it was also fun and relaxing break from the monotonous structure of college life.

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My experiences about Washington D.C. that stood out the most would have to be the textile museums, the Mall, the city, and the people that I went with. I enjoyed learning about the symmetry patterns. I never will be able to look at something now without knowing what kind of pattern it has. The museum opened my eyes up to textiles overall. I really didn’t know much about them until then. Washington D.C. the city was amazing, with all the monuments and different museums, there was always something to see or do. I also really enjoyed going with the class on the trip. I have had classes with all these guys and now we get to see each other from a different side and found out that we really get along well. As a class I think we know more about each other, and some of us actually bonded on the trip. This is probably the best thing that came out of the whole trip, because now we have someone we know that shares the same experiences and ideas. I know now that if I take a class to D.C., what to expect and do. I could probably take this context and apply to something that is closer to home. I learned that mathematics can be taught is several different ways, and one just had to look at everything from a mathematical prospective, not knowing what one might find. I think that some more time should be included for just seeing the monuments as a group, that way we get don’t focus on one thing, because there is more in the world then just mathematics. Overall I really, really, really enjoyed the trip and wish we could do it again sometime. Thank you Dawn for everything, I wish there were more opportunities like this in the department for students.

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Symmetry in the City

What could be more appropriate to conclude a course in contextual teaching and learning in mathematics than taking a contextual fieldtrip? Our recent adventure to the nations capitol captured the spirit of what I have learned about contextual teaching and learning.

While in Washington, D.C., we focused on a discussion of symmetry as seen in textiles and Islamic art. Carol Bier, curator of the Textile Museum, guided us in a general study of symmetry and then pointed us to specific uses of this symmetry in oriental carpets, colonial quilts, and Islamic textiles and art. Combined with the knowledge gained from Ms. Bier, I also was privileged to have spent a semester studying symmetry with Dr. Clint McCrory. Never before did I realize the role of mathematics in art.

Our trip to D.C. also included a visit to the National Islamic Mosque. While the speaker at the mosque focused mostly on the culture and religion, our eyes were quick to find the symmetry found in the ornamentation of the mosque. Our class noticed symmetry in the painted designs as well as the domed, arched, and columned architecture.

This field trip proved to be enlightening beyond my expectations. Not only were we able to experience symmetry and mathematics in the Museums and Mosque, but we also begin to see symmetry everywhere we turned. The Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, the Pentagon, the Reflecting Pool. All of these historic markers exhibit a form of symmetry, and our math class found it. Symmetry is addictive. By immersing ourselves in the context of Washington D.C. for the specific purpose of finding symmetry, we were also able to understand how everything around us is symmetrical.

Reflecting on the trip as a teacher, I think the trip fantastically collaborated a rich study of mathematics as well as culture. We learned about the historic Islamic culture as well as experiencing our own American history. It would be an interesting addition to trip to add an element of discussion about symmetry in architecture. A walking tour around any district in D.C. or any other city would reveal numerous examples of the various types of architectural symmetry. This kind of contextual field trip is invaluable in showing students how much of their everyday lives revolve around mathematics.

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1. What stood out?

What really stood out to me was how good Dr. McCorry’s lecture was. I knew when he gave it, it was really good. But then, when we got there, all the things we saw and how what he said related to his lecture was really amazing.

2. What did you gain personally/professionally?

Personally I gained an understanding of Islam and Muslim culture. Professionally, I learned that there are unlimited resources where you can find the math you are teaching in your classroom out in the real world.

3. How did this trip impact/influence/change the way you think about teaching math.

It showed me there are an unlimited supply of resources out in the real world which you can use to contextually teach the math that is contained in the text book you are using to teach in your classroom.

4. What would you have added/subtracted/changed about this trip?

I wish we would have learned more about the math concepts and ideas and less about the art history and the Islam religion.

 

5. Additional thoughts.

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Casey Laws

I was very surprised to hear that a class of juniors in college were taking a field trip to Washington D.C. I visited Washington when I was younger as a class field trip, but we did not get to experience the same type of things as we did this time. I wondered what type of mathematics we could possible endeavor on a trip to a city filled with history and culture diversity. I had no idea what we would discover.

I enjoyed the trip, and I have to say that this was a very unique experience. I know that otherwise, I may never have been able to enjoy this type of experience. Not only were we able to see many different explorations involving symmetries and patterns within a culture, but we were able to explore a culture that I had never really had any experience with learning about. It was neat to see how this broad array of symmetries comes out of something as simple as a person quilting a blanket. It raises many questions. Do they actually know what type of symmetries they are creating when they produce these quilts.

That was probably my most enjoyable part of the field trip.

I wasn't prepared to explore a different type of religion. The Muslim religion is not so much different than that of what I believe, but I got the impression that some of the people in the class may have been slightly offended. This is maybe one aspect of a trip of this nature that I would consider for future reference. I would maybe give the students a choice of being involved in this learning process.

Overall, the trip was very enjoyable, and I think everyone had a good time and learned things that if not given the opportunity, may never learn. If I had to give an evaluation of this trip, I would say this trip went very smoothly, and was well organized. A field trip of this nature for contextual classes to come could be a very educational process.

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Looking back on our trip to Washington D.C., I can't help but smirk a little bit. It was easily the most enjoyable time I've had since I've been in college. I'll get into all that later, but I'll start with the mathematical side. I will never again hear the word symmetry and fail to think about Washington, D.C., the textile museum, Islamic mosque, etc. That is huge. Sure, maybe I will never need to know what any of that stuff about symmetry really means, but I will never forget the context. I am completely sold on the validity of contextually learning now. I think you will agree that's a big step for me. I understand it is so possible to create that type of lasting memory with any subject or content. The analytical aspect of every content is important, don't get me wrong, the application of that content into some memorable context is much more lasting. That's what I learned in D.C. Personally, I grew up a lot. I really like everybody in our class. However, there were some I never saw myself hanging out with outside of class. Well, that's a whole lot different now. I feel more confident about being able to mix with different groups and how to really understand somebody and get to know them. I thank you so much for treating us like college age students and allowing us to make lifelong memories. About the only thing I can think to change is just make the trip longer, or heck, do it twice a semester. I'm only kidding about that, of course. The trip was fantastic. Thanks.

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I think that this trip was extremely beneficial to me in my learning of mathematics.  I really got a lot out of this trip and I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of this experience.  I was able to see how mathematics is used in a realm outside of normal mathematics and I got to see historical monuments and spend time with my friends as well. There were many things that stood out to me while on this trip. One of the most obvious was the surroundings.  It was incredible being in a place so immensely filled with history and be able to learn about math at the same time.  I also thought it was really interesting going to the Textile Museum and seeing the mathematics there.  Also, the Freer Gallery had some beautiful artwork and it was very interesting to see the mathematics used in such a beautiful way.  I enjoyed this trip on a personal level and on a professional level as a pre-service mathematics teacher.  It was very interesting to see how one could be taught mathematics in such a beautiful context and while having fun at the same time. On a personal level it was great being able to spend time with my classmates.  We spend so much time together in class but rarely have time to spend together outside of the classroom.  I think this was very beneficial to get to know my peers better because I think it will be easier for the rest of our time here at UGA to have good friends to help us with our studies and student teaching. Going on this trip made me think a great deal about how I plan to teach mathematics in my classroom.  It amazed me how much I learned and how much fun I could have all in the same weekend.  I believe it would be very beneficial to teach my students in this type of context.  I may not be able to take a class to Washington D.C, but I could take somewhere else that would allow them to witness mathematics outside the normal realm. 

While thinking about next year's trip, I have a few suggestions to make.  First of all, I really enjoyed Dr. McCrory's lecture on patterns in textiles.  While it greatly prepared me for the trip, in a way it made the lecture in the Textile Museum a little boring because I felt like I already knew everything that was being said.  So maybe next yearDr. McCrory could still give a lecture it just wouldn't have to be so in-depth.  Also, I think while at the Smithsonian I might have the students to more places than just the FreerGallery to see the Islamic art.  I think this was very interesting but I felt that it was sort of wasting all the other types of mathematics that I'm sure could be found elsewhere in the Smithsonian.  It is such an incredible museum that I feel more time should have been spent there as a class.  Also, while I enjoyed the Islamic mosque, I thought it was interesting that the man speaking with us didn't want us to look at the art, yet that was what we were there for.  I didn't get much mathematics out of going to the mosque, but it was very interesting.  Overall, the trip was great.  I learned a lot and had a great time.  I really appreciate being able to participate in such an experience.

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Our class took a wonderful field trip to Washington D.C. to learn about the symmetry in textiles, and more specifically, in Oriental rugs. When looking back on the trip, the things that stood out to me are mainly the confusion that was present among most of the students. I, personally, am taking a class this semester that is based around symmetry (and its application in the real-world), so the trip was very beneficial to me. But, I thought that others were slightly confused of the application to mathematics.

Personally, I gained the experience of seeing a lot of practical applications of symmetry in the real-world. Sometimes, students do not realize that the things you learn in class actually does have use in the real-word. Professionally, I gained the experience of putting up with students that may not pay attention or may complain about every single little thing. I also gained a good way to relate other subjects to mathematics, mainly history and religion in this case.

The experience of this trip was an extraordinary one. It influenced the way I think about teaching math by showing me how to apply so many outside sources to the subject of math. It has made me begin to realize all of the symmetry that is out there. Now, when I walk down the street, I will notice symmetry everywhere.

In the planning for next year, I think that the time schedule should be adjusted around. We spent a lot of time at museums one day and then barely an hour at a museum the next day. I also think that maybe the students should be asked if they think it is appropriate to be taken into the mosque, which is a place of Islamic worship. I think that after our field trip to McLane, many students and teachers expressed a bit of resentment towards their "Christian" values, whereas we were taken to a Muslim mosque and were expected to take this as a lesson in life of other religions. I, personally, was not offended, but I believe that this could be a problem for some students.

In conclusion, I believe that this trip was an incredible experience for us all. Even on a more personal level, we all had the opportunity to ge to know one another and make great friendships. We were also able to explore Washington D.C. on our own and see the many different wonderful historic buldings and landmarks that are available. We had a great time and I will not forget the experience any time soon.

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I think that the trip to Washington D.C. was truly a wonderful experience! I enjoyed every part of our trip, including the visits to the Islamic Mosque, the Textile Museum, the Freer Gallery of Art, the other Smithsonian museums, and the historic monuments. I also enjoyed getting to know my classmates better and my teachers as well.

Also, this past semester I had taken the second semester of Foundations of Geometry, which is titled MATH 5210, with Dr. McCrory. In this class, we discussed symmetry and patterns, including wallpaper patterns and strip patterns in the plane. On our trip, we were able to see examples of these symmetries in textiles, and more specifically, quilts and oriental rugs. It was definitely a great to have studied these topics in depth before going on the trip because all of the symmetries made a lot of sense, and it pulled all of the information we have learned together as a whole. Therefore, besides the other fun activities that we had the chance to participate in, one of the main things that stood out in my mind was seeing the intricate textiles and recognizing the beautiful symmetry.

I gained a lot personally and professionally in attending this field trip. I feel that this trip was truly a great experience in looking at mathematics in real world examples, and also in helping to tie in mathematical ideas, such as topics in symmetry for instance, that often times appear unrelated. Personally, I also enjoyed the other sites that we were able to visit in the city as well. Professionally, after attending this trip and seeing how fun and interesting hands-on experiences can be, I hope as a teacher to be able to create field trips and examples for my high school mathematics classes to look at math outside of the classroom. Maybe one day, I can take a group of mathematics students to Washington D.C. as well. Again, this trip has helped reinforce the value of hands-on experiences in teaching mathematics and the importance of tying together context and content in the mathematics curriculum. Integrating these two concepts together will help students to see the relevance of mathematics and also to keep them interested and excited about the class.

In planning for next year, I think that this experience was wonderful, and should be kept the same as it was. I definitely believe that there was a good balance between the amount of free time we had to explore Washington D.C. and the amount of time we spent on the mathematics. I also like the fact that we were fortunate enough to receive a grant for the trip. Again, I believe that this trip was a wonderful experience, and I think that all of us were truly fortunate to be granted this opportunity!

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Erik Crawford

Overall I really enjoyed the trip to DC. I had a lot of fun. I got to know my classmates in another environment other than in the classroom or the computer lab. It was the first time that I had actually spent time with my classmates, even though we have been in the same classes for years. So I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of the trip. I also thoroughly enjoyed the sight seeing aspect of the trip.

However, the school part was not as interesting. The first thing that started it was the fact that we sat through a lecture by Dr. McCory. That wasn't bad, but then we sat through the same lecture with the curator of the museum. And I think that that part is where so people started to go. We were listening to the same thing that we had already heard before. Then I think some people lost interest in the mosque. I think that if we could have looked around without talking to the guy we would have been okay, but then he started teaching us about his religion. I personally didn't mind, because I did not know that much about it.

When I heard that we were going on this trip I thought that we would spend more time in museums looking at art, and less time being lectured to. Since we had already heard the curator's speech, I think we should have gone to a different museum, perhaps one that was down by The Mall. Overall I had a wonderful time and I am sure the people that were hanging around me had a wonderful time, and I will never forget this trip.

Thank you Dawn.

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