Curve Stitching

Lesson Plans available on Tpt

Curve stitching has always appealed to me, probably because of it's very direct and obvious links between mathematics and art. Curve stitching can be done fairly simply or on a much more complex level. I've always liked using it just for the simplicity of showing students how curves can be made from a series of lines. The more lines you use, the better quadratic approximation you'll get (for a curve). Also, the more lines you use, the more complex the design can be.

Whether you're showing how art and nature are mathematical, or how mathematics can be artistic, this is a great integration opportunity. Linear equations and functions are the root of any design that you may want to create or will see in the world. Curve stitching shows us this basic break down.

As an educator, I have used this in both the mathematics and art classroom. Mathematically, I've used curve stitching lessons with middle school kids, Algebra I students, and Advanced Algebra students. I saw the most success when used in an Algebra I classroom. There were a number of students that I the 'light bulb' moment was almost tangible.

I have put this lesson together with full instructions, both written and visual, examples in all formats including student samples, and with an opener in a PDF format. I wanted to make sure that I had instructions in a written step-by-step format, as well as visually, because I wanted to make the document something that my students could look to while I was explaining and demonstrating in class. I wanted to make sure to be able to address all learning styles and serve the needs of students who may need extended time or additional instruction, as well.

Initially I began by searching the internet and blogs thinking that it would be fairly easy to find a set of step-by-step instructions rather than having to write it all up myself and recreate the wheel. I was wrong, it was not so easy by any means. I finally did find some instructions online, however the grammar was poor and it was very obviously not written by a native English speaker or was translated using an electronic translating service. So, I set out to make my own document. I have this set of instructions, complete with all visuals (in full color) online in my TeachersPayTeachers store. A direct link can be found above on the caption to the curve stitching picture.

Who am I?

I have recently updated my profile information and thought that it would be good to share this, in an expanded form, on my blog, especially considering I am new to creating an educational blog.

My family and I currently reside in Garden City, Kansas where I teach Mathematics in the Trades Academy at Garden City High School (GCHS). GCHS was divided using the Academy concept when the new building (now in it's second year) was built. There are four main wings which house the Freshman Academy, Public Service, Arts & Communication, and Health and Trades Academies. The Health and Trades Academy is located in one wing together, however is essentially two separate academies. There are more than 2000 students at GCHS from a wealth of nationalities. Garden City is very representative of the quintessential melting pot that is America.

I have a long and varied career in education which began in 2000. Throughout the years I have in schools with as few students as 10 in Kindergarten to 12th grade (literally the one room schoolhouse concept) to as many as 2200 in grades 9-12. I've been a teacher, counselor, administrator, and curriculum director. I'm Highly Qualified in Elementary (general subjects), Elementary Curriculum, Middle School (general subjects), Middle School Mathematics, Middle School Language Arts, Secondary Mathematics, Secondary Language Arts, and Arts Education.

I have a passion for Curriculum, strange as the may seem, and truly believe in education and the ability to make a difference in someone's life. I've seen it first hand. I'm an educator first and foremost. I believe that surpasses the boundaries created by titles such as teacher, administrator, union member, or any other such thing.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education in 2000 with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Arts Education from the University of Michigan. I earned my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership in 2006 from Eastern Michigan University. I have teaching and administrative certificates in Michigan, Alaska, and Kansas.

The Story of pi ~B squared

A Math Blog called "pi ~B squared" ... what in the world?!?

Wouldn't it make more sense for it to be pi r^2, or something of that lot?!? Yeah, it probably would. However, that's pretty obvious and used already in at least 1-2 different blogs. Yup, I've looked.

No matter.

Pi ~B squared makes sense on another level. Before marrying in 2001, I always used to go by the nickname 'Becky', rather than my full name 'Rebecca'. Well, I very quickly tried to get people to use Rebecca, because frankly the name "Becky Binkley" sounds really silly. In a number of instances I've used B^2 however when adding initials, monogramming of sorts, etc.

If Pi R Squared wasn't going to work out for me, and didn't make much sense other than mathematical reference, Pi ~B squared would be perfect. I had to have Pi in any 'titling' I used. It's been my favorite number since high school. It's part of the email address I've used for over 20 years, it's even been tattooed on my body for over 15 years. I'm a little obsessive of the number pi, celebrate Pi Day even when I wasn't teaching, etc.

And so, "pi ~B squared" was born...
(Now, I just need to attempt to keep up with a blog!)