Geometry: New Tools for New Technologies: Hour 2: Unit 2: Symmetry: Rigid Motion & Patterns

How is geometry used to program a robot's movement? How do zoo planners use geometry to make habitats that are enjoyable and safe? Why do people who plan garbage pickups and snowplow routes need geometry? Geometry: New Tools for New Technologies I and II explore the exciting world of Geometry in the 20th century.

The six shows in this video series demonstrate contemporary geometry in action. In the videos, your students learn about applications to architecture, archaeology, DNA research, packaging design, fire station location, scheduling events, and others. The accompanying print materials give your students the opportunity to take part in the mathematical modeling of these situations. The videos range in length from about 8 minutes to about 11.5 minutes. The print materials for each video include a video viewing guide, a set of discussion questions, and one or two sets of exercises.

Unit 2: Structures: Symmetry: Rigid Motion & Patterns (11:26)

Summary of the Video

The video's opening footage conveys the rich variety of patterns that fill our world. Archaeologist Dorothy Washburn discusses the importance of pattern analysis in her work and shows examples of the four types of rigid motion in designs on pottery from archaeological sites in the American Southwest. Graphic displays are used to show how the four types of rigid motion can be used to form seven classes of strip patterns, and Dorothy Washburn presents pottery examples. Carol Bier, curator of the Textile Museum in Washington D.C., follows with examples of rigid motion in textile design. Dorothy Washburn closes the video with an example of the conclusions she has drawn by applying principles of symmetry to her archaeological research. Following the video, students construct simple designs based on the four types of rigid motion. They then learn how to use these four types to classify strip patterns into one of seven classes of strip patterns.

Video support materials are available as part of COMAP full membership. Each video is accompanied by a user's guide with reproducible student exercises and quizzes.