Lesson Plan Using the Virtual Bead Loom

4th Grade students, Ark Community Charter School, Troy NY
Teacher: Molly Suwara

Rationale
To demonstrate how math and art are integrated through the use of an on-line program. To assess if the use of technology can aid in student learning.

Objectives
The student will learn about the Cartesian coordinate system through the exploration of the virtual bead loom web sight. Each student will practice plotting coordinate pairs on graph and create a bead design. This design will then be re-created using real beads
on a bead loom. Through this process students will learn about the Cartesian coordinate system and vocabulary associated with it.

Materials
Computers with internet access, Bead Loom CSDT, graph paper, copies of math masters p. 301, pony beads, cardboard bead looms, and string for beading.

Procedures
Day 1: Give students the pre assessment test found on the virtual bead loom web site. After the students are finished introduce students to the virtual bead loom web sight and let them explore freely.
Day 2: Draw a graph on the board and discuss what students know about it. Number and label the axis and instruct students in how to plot points on the grid. Plot points and ask students what the ordered pairs would be for these points. Lead students to the virtual bead loom and show students where to insert the ordered pairs to create their designs.
Day 3: Using a graph on the board show students the origin point, vertical and horizontal axis. Review how to plot points on the graph putting emphasis on how to use the numbers to tell us which direction to move in. Demonstrate how to create a line using two plotted points on the graph. Let students continue to work on their designs.
Day 4: Read through the Four Fold Symmetry section of the website as a group. Ask students if they can find an example of four fold symmetry in the room. Let students continue to work on their designs.
Day 5: Read through the Beads: Past and Present section of the website as a group. Let students continue to work on their designs. If some students are finished with a design instruct them to assist others with their designs. When the student's designs are complete, print out copies of student designs.
Day 6: Let students know that this will be the last day to work on their designs and let them work through the class. Some students will already be finished.
Day 7: Discuss how to create their bead loom designs on the bead loom. Instruct students that they will begin to create their bead design so they can keep them. Demonstrate how to thread the bead loom and how to tape their names to the loom so they do not get mixed up.
Day 8: Discuss and demonstrate the process of how to begin creating their bead loom designs. Demonstrate the addition of at least two rows on the loom. Pass through the class and help where necessary.
Day 9-12: Review the process to add beads to the bead loom and let students continue to work until most of the students have completed their designs. Depending on the size of the design and the students coordination it can take several days.

View a sample of student's beadwork from this lesson

Assessment
While students work on the virtual bead loom track success on the status sheets. Compare student computer design and completed bead work design and asses success of students beading.

NY State Standards
6.2.3 3. Use different types of models, such as graphs, sketches, diagrams, and maps, to represent various aspects of the real world.
2.VA.1.2 2. Develop skills with electronic media as a means of expressing visual ideas
4.VA.1.3 3. Create art works that show the influence of a particular culture