standard_description: Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes.
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of this activity is for students to apply what they’ve learned about quadrilaterals to design a wax print pattern. First, students analyze wax prints that have quadrilaterals incorporated into the pattern. Then, students design their own wax print that incorporates rhombuses, rectangles, or squares and a quadrilateral that doesn’t belong to any of these subcategories.
MLR8 Discussion Supports.
Synthesis: During group presentations, invite the student(s) who are not speaking to follow along and point to the corresponding parts of the display.
Advances: Speaking, Representing
Action and Expression: Internalize Executive Functions.
To support working memory, provide students with access to sticky notes or mini whiteboards.
Supports accessibility for: Memory, Organization
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
Materials to Copy
Square Dot Paper Standard
Launch
Groups of 2
Display the image.
“Today’s lesson is going to focus on African wax prints. African wax prints are colorful cotton fabrics commonly used for clothing in West Africa. Take a minute to think about the pattern. What do you notice? What do you wonder?” (Students may notice: The pattern is colorful. There are rhombuses in the pattern. There are triangles in the pattern. There are quadrilaterals that aren’t rhombuses, rectangles, or squares in the pattern. Students may wonder: How do they make these patterns? What other shapes could be used to make these patterns? What types of clothing are made with this cloth? Where can you buy this type of fabric?)
1 minute: partner discussion
Share responses.
“You’re going to create your own wax print pattern. Independently read over the directions and think about how you’ll create your pattern.”
2–3 minutes: quiet think time
“Are there any questions about how you’ll create your wax print pattern?”
Answer any questions students have.
Give each student a sheet of dot paper and colored pencils, crayons, or markers.
Activity
“Work independently to create your wax print pattern.”
5–7 minutes: independent work time
“You can continue working on your own or work with a partner or small group to finish your pattern. Even if you choose to work alone, be available if your partner wants to think through something together.”
3–5 minutes: partner, small group, or independent work time
Monitor for students who use a rhombus, rectangle, or square in their pattern to highlight in the synthesis. Adjust the synthesis if all shapes aren’t used.
Student Facing
Your teacher will give you some dot paper for drawing.
Use the dot paper to design your own wax print pattern. Your pattern should:
use a rhombus, rectangle, or square
use a quadrilateral that is not a rhombus, rectangle, or square
have each shape repeat at least 5 times
Color the pattern in a way that highlights the shapes you chose or choices you made.
[IMG]
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
Display previously selected patterns one at a time.
For each pattern, ask, “How did this student use rectangles (or rombuses, or squares) in their design?”


aligns: no