Module 4A: Mathematics - Humanities in Class Online Courses Forum

Fractals and Africa

Jennifer Metzler — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:06:24 +0000

I found Dr. Eglash's presentation fascinating! In a short time I gained even more amazement of ingrained Funds of Knowledge in civilizations from Africa. As far as how to incorporate this into my classroom, I think I would follow this process:

-Explore concepts of fractals; I've seen an art project for 3rd graders that presents the concept age-appropriately.

-Connect what we know of fractals to nature

-Connect what we know of fractals to the mancala game that many of my students are familiar with and that all will enjoy learning.

-Connect what we have learned about fractals to traditional African architecture, cloth and problem solving structures (like the wind fences).

Fractals

ToRena Webb — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:01:39 +0000

I'm returning to second grade with a new Math Curriculum I am not yet familiar with, so I am unsure how I would use this. I like the village idea, but wonder if the concept is too broad for my crew. I also wonder if I could make it into social justice with the shape having a phrase or act of kindness repeated. I'm not fully sure and will need to flush out my ideas, as I venture through the curriculum to see how I can best link this activity. Ultimately, whatever I choose, I would like to invite students to create and display the full artwork.

I love the fractals in cornrows but feel like that may be too complicated for my students although there is power and beauty in this knowing. I am not familiar with fractals. I'm often trying to make a connection to what curriculums we already use, but as I am exploring this new one, I'm not sure yet.

Hair Braiding in Children's Books

Tara Thomas — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:16:29 +0000

In recent years, more books have been written about hair, specifically the hair texture and hair braiding designs connected with Black hair. I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley is one of my favorites to share. I share and read these stories with students of many cultures so that they can have a better understanding of why they see people where their hair in these ways (many of which are examples of African fractals), so students can understand more about the historical and cultural significance of braided hair, to grow and gain an appreciation for these hair designs, and now I can add to encourage an investigation of mathematical elements that are often seen in the patterns, braids, and designs that that are a part of these ways of styling hair.

Fulani Wedding Blankets

Christina Perez — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 20:22:41 +0000

Third graders often love activities in which they can search for patterns and repeated shapes, something we do during our geometry unit. I would adapt these tasks and tie them to the Fulani wedding blankets as described by Dr. Eglash's project here https://csdt.org/culture/africanfractals/art.html. When I looked at other images of these wedding blankets, I found myself searching for repeated patterns in different sizes. I would introduce the wedding blankets visually first with a notice/wonder prompt without giving any information about the repeated patterns and see if students notice where the same set of shapes appear at different scales. I would then talk about the spiritual practice of wishing for health and wealth intertwined with the weaving of the blanket (as the pattern repeats the energy grows). Finally, I would have students design their fractal pattern using a geometric shape of their choosing.

Quilts

Ami Molkentine — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:41:12 +0000

I really enjoyed listening to this lecture. As soon as he began speaking, my mind immediately went to quilts. I use quilts to discuss geometry, fractions, and resistance to enslavement. Incorporating fractals into this content will be very attainable. When I clicked on the linked website I was so excited to see a whole section dedicated specifically to quilts!

Settlement design

XIUJUAN LI — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:23:38 +0000

First, show students photographs and ask them to identify repeated shapes, patterns and relationships between small and large structures. Then ask them to draw a model of a settlement or building using the shapes mentioned above. They can repeat a design at several scales. At last, have students discuss how shared spaces, family relationships, community gathering areas, and access to resources might influence settlement design.

Factals

Jacob Goodwin — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:52:55 +0000

I was interested to learn about the professor's Fulbright study of African villages. I am thinking it could be a fun experience for students to design their own villages and then try to replicate that village using the idea of fractals. Another idea would be to use the designs as a way to tell a story. Maybe the story could have a core element that keeps repeating (kind of simulating the fractal design).

African Fractals in my classroom

Eva Agyemang — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:45:34 +0000

As an elementary librarian and Computer Science teacher, I would use African fractals and Kente cloth patterns to help students see that math is all around us, including in African culture and traditions. Students could study the colors, shapes, and repeating patterns in the cloth and then create their own designs using paper, graph paper, or a computer program. In Computer Science, I could connect the patterns to algorithms by having students follow step-by-step instructions to repeat shapes and designs. I think this would help students understand that African mathematics is not just about numbers; it is also about creativity, problem-solving, culture, and identity. It would give students a chance to appreciate the knowledge and skills African weavers have used for generations.