Illuminations: Patch Tool

Patch Tool
Quilters and other designers sometimes start by producing square patches with a pattern on them. These square patches are then repeated and connected to produce a larger pattern. Create your own patch using the shapes in the tool below.

Instructions
 
Click on any shape to bring that shape into the work area.

When the arrow is active, move a shape within the work area by dragging it. Deactivate the flip, rotate, and erase buttons by clicking on the arrow.
To rotate a shape, activate the rotate button, and then click on a shape.
To flip a shape, activate the flip button, and then click on a shape.
To erase a shape, activate the erase button, and then click on a shape.

Exploration
 
  1. What features does your patch have that you find interesting?

  2. Was there a shape that was harder or easier to fit with other shapes? If so, why?

  3. If you put several copies of your patch together, how would they match up?

  4. When did you have to flip a shape? Could you have rotated the shape instead?

  

NCTM Resources

Navigating through Geometry in preK‑2

Lessons
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics MarcoPolo Verizon Foundation
More and Better Mathematics for All Students
© 2000 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students. The views expressed or implied, unless otherwise noted, should not be interpreted as official positions of the Council.