Christmas Maths and Art

Aim: to understand how to create a geometrical curve

using straight lines only and apply the technique to design

and sew a Christmas Card.

How to make a curve out of straight lines

• Using the ruler and pencil, draw a set of axes on a piece of scrap paper, mark every 1cm in both directions as shown below:

Connect the highest dot on the y-axis to the first dot on the x-axis.

Then continue to join as shown:

Finished curve…

Christmas Designs

Design for Christmas Tree

Measure and draw a 13cm vertical line, mark every 1cm.5cm from top draw a horizontal line 2.5cm either side of the vertical. Mark every 0.5cm.9cm from top draw a horizontal line 3.75cm either side of vertical. Mark every 0.75cm.At bottom of the vertical line draw a horizontal line 5cm on both sides. Mark every 1cm.

Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree

Christmas Designs

Design for Christmas Star

Measure and draw a 14cm vertical line, mark every 1cm.

In the centre (7cm from top) draw a horizontal line 5.25cm either side of vertical. Mark every 0.75cm.

Christmas Star

Christmas Star

Christmas Cards

• Prepare your card by drawing out your design axes in pencil and poking a hole at every mark.

• Thread needle and sew the lines instead of drawing them. (For guidance on sewing techniques see http://nrich.maths.org/5366 )

• Add your festive message and give to family or friends.