Cross Curricular Maths
Art maths activities
Use symmetry, tessellation, patterns, ratio and geometry.
Quick answer
Art maths activities help children explore and understand mathematical concepts like symmetry, tessellation, patterns, ratios, and geometry through creative and hands-on learning experiences.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how to use art to learn about shapes, patterns, symmetry, and measurements in fun and creative ways.Why this matters
Art maths activities help children see the connections between creativity and mathematics. When you make art, you use math without even realising it. You might draw a butterfly with matching wings (symmetry), create a pattern with tiles (tessellation), or build a house with equal sides (geometry). These skills help you in school, in games, and in everyday life. Whether you're planning a party, designing a garden, or just drawing a picture, math is there helping you make it look great.How it works
Art maths activities use your hands, your eyes, and your imagination to learn math. You can start by looking at shapes, then making patterns, and finally creating art that shows math in action. You can use tools like rulers, compasses, and even your own body to measure and create. The more you play with art and math together, the better you’ll understand both.Examples you can see
Let’s look at some ways you can use art to learn math. 1. Symmetry in Art Symmetry means one side looks like the other side when you fold it in half. You can make a butterfly by folding paper in half and drawing one wing, then folding it and coloring the other wing the same way. This is symmetry! 2. Tessellations Tessellations are patterns made with shapes that fit together perfectly without gaps or overlaps. You can make a tessellation with squares, triangles, or even animals. Try drawing a fish pattern where each fish touches the next one perfectly. 3. Patterns in Art Patterns are repeating designs. You can make a pattern with colors, shapes, or sizes. For example, red, blue, red, blue – that’s a color pattern. Or you can make a pattern with circles that get bigger and smaller. 4. Geometry in Art Geometry is all about shapes and measurements. When you draw a house, you use rectangles for walls and triangles for roofs. When you make a cityscape, you use different shapes to make buildings. You can even use your body to measure how tall things are or how far apart they are. 5. Ratio in Art Ratio means how much of one thing there is compared to another. If you are mixing paint and you use 2 parts red to 1 part blue, you are using a ratio. You can use ratios to make art that looks balanced and pretty.Try it as a mini adventure
Let’s go on an art maths adventure! Adventure: The Symmetry Garden You are a gardener and you have a special garden. You want to plant flowers in a way that looks the same on both sides of a path. This is symmetry! 1st time: You plant a sunflower on the left side of the path. 2nd time: You plant a sunflower on the right side of the path. 3rd time: You plant a daisy on the left side of the path. 4th time: You plant a daisy on the right side of the path. 5th time: You plant a rose on the left side of the path. 6th time: You plant a rose on the right side of the path. Now, you have a beautiful garden with a perfectly symmetrical path. You can even draw a line down the middle to show where the symmetry is! Challenge: Create Your Own Tessellation 1st time: Draw a simple shape like a square. 2nd time: Copy the square and move it to the right. 3rd time: Copy it again and move it to the right. 4th time: Keep copying and moving the square to make a row. 5th time: Now, copy the row and move it down. 6th time: Keep copying and moving the row down to make a pattern. You’ve made a tessellation! Try using different shapes like triangles or hexagons.Common mistakes
Mistake 1: Thinking that all shapes can tessellate. Why it happens: Some shapes fit together perfectly, but others leave gaps or overlap. How to fix it: Try different shapes to see which ones fit together without gaps or overlaps. Mistake 2: Not understanding that symmetry means both sides must be the same. Why it happens: Children often draw one side and forget to copy it on the other side. How to fix it: Use a mirror or fold the paper in half to check if both sides match. Mistake 3: Mixing up patterns and symmetry. Why it happens: Both involve repetition, but patterns repeat in a sequence and symmetry is about matching sides. How to fix it: Practice drawing patterns with a repeating sequence and drawing symmetrical shapes. Mistake 4: Not using ratios to make art look balanced. Why it happens: Children often paint or draw without thinking about how much of each color or shape to use. How to fix it: Try mixing paint with a 2:1 ratio of red to blue and see how it looks.Parent and carer guide
Art maths activities are a great way to help your child learn math without pressure. Here’s how to support your child: 1. Encourage your child to explore shapes and patterns in their art. 2. Ask questions like, “What shape did you use?” or “Can you make a pattern?” 3. Let your child experiment with colors and measurements. 4. Show them how you use math in your daily life, like when you cook or build something. 5. Celebrate their creativity and their math thinking. Remember, it’s not about getting the right answer. It’s about exploring and learning through play.Practice questions
1. Draw a shape with 4 lines of symmetry. 2. Create a pattern with 3 repeating colors. 3. Make a tessellation with triangles. 4. Use a 3:1 ratio to mix paint. 5. Draw a symmetrical butterfly. Answers: 1. A square or a circle. 2. Red, blue, green, red, blue, green. 3. Draw triangles and copy them to make a pattern. 4. Mix 3 parts red paint with 1 part blue paint. 5. Draw one wing and fold the paper to copy it.FAQ
What is symmetry in art?
Symmetry in art means that one side of a design looks like the other side when folded in half. It's like a mirror image.
Can all shapes be used in tessellations?
No, only shapes that fit together perfectly without gaps or overlaps can be used in tessellations. For example, squares, triangles, and hexagons work, but circles do not.
How can I help my child with art maths at home?
You can help by asking questions, encouraging creativity, and showing how math is used in everyday life. Try drawing patterns, making symmetrical art, or creating tessellations together.
What are some real-life uses of art maths?
Art maths is used in architecture, design, fashion, and even video games. It helps people make beautiful and balanced things.
How do ratios help in art?
Ratios help in art by making colors and designs look balanced. For example, using a 2:1 ratio of red to blue paint makes a nice, balanced color.