Groovy Geometry + Making Mandalas = Math MASTERPIECES !

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will learn the history of a MANDALA, a circular shape containing designs made of geometric shapes, shapes found in nature, parallel and perpendicular lines, and various designs.  

In ancient cultures, looking closely at mandalas and/or creating them was used as a way to relax, settle one's mind, meditate, and feel calm...and this is STILL the case. No wonder some of the world's most beautiful cathedrals have huge stained glass windows picturing gigantic mandalas, as people come and sit quietly for prayer or meditation time before services.  Today, it is no different - many people who enjoy artwork and/or doodling can warm up their brains, calm down their stress, and release tension by focusing for a while on the drawing of a simple mandala pattern.

The use of mandalas originated hundreds of years ago in  India and surrounding middle eastern regions.   These cultures felt that a mandala represented the cosmos or UNIVERSE ,but in common usage nowadays, the mandala has become a generic term for any circular [ mandala means  "circle" in the Sanskrit language] design that utilizes geometric and  assorted shapes, lines, and designs in an organized, symmetrical, and extremely intricate patterns. Later on, Tibetan monks began to blend in square shapes to contain the mandala pattern [as is shown in an attached video].

We will delve into creative artwork possibilities by reviewing geometric figures, line patterns, and commonly used shapes. Enjoy the relaxation and absorption into quiet creative time as you draw your own mandala!