Basic Math Skills

HANDS ON MATH -“Join our ‘Fiber Math’ summer camp! Students won’t just be crafting; they will be engineering, designing, and calculating. Through braiding, weaving, knitting, and crochet, children will turn abstract concepts like geometry, symmetry, and algorithms into wearable art, building confidence in math through creativity.” Engage in learning one craft at a time – knitting, crocheting, weaving and braiding.

Research shows that knitting, crocheting, weaving, and braiding help children visualize complex mathematical ideas, improve spatial reasoning, and build computational thinking.

Summary of Math Skills Built

• Computational Thinking: Breaking down a large project into a sequence of smaller steps (algorithms).
• Spatial Reasoning: Visualizing how 2D yarn becomes a 3D object.
• Pattern Algebra: Identifying, creating, and extending patterns in both color and structure.
• Measurement & Fractions: Working with length, tension, and gauge

Knitting (Algorithms & Proportions): One Week – June 29th- July

• Concept: Algorithms and Measurement. Knitting is a row-by-row algorithm that results in a proportional final product.
• Activity: Designing a scarf based on a specific numerical pattern (e.g., Fibonacci sequence).
• Math Skills: Estimation (how much yarn is needed), measurement (gauge), and spatial reasoning.

Crochet (Geometry & Topology):

• Concept: Hyperbolic planes and 3D shapes. Crochet is ideal for creating curved surfaces, such as coral reef models or hats.
• Activity: Making 3D shapes (spheres, cubes) or calculating increases/decreases.
• Math Skills: Arithmetic sequences (counting stitches in increasing rows), fractions (making granny squares).

Weaving (Algebra & Grid Math):

• Concept: Cartesian Coordinate System. The warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads operate like a graph.
• Activity: Creating geometric tapestries.
• Math Skills: Pattern recognition, binary code (over/under), sequencing, and symmetry.

Braiding (Number Theory & Geometry):

• Concept: Algorithms and Number Theory. Braiding is a physical, tactile form of algorithms.
• Activity: 3-strand, 4-strand, or complex Kumihimo braiding.
• Math Skills: Modular arithmetic, patterns, and spatial manipulation.