McWorter Lesson Plan Upper Level
Dr. William McWorter is one of the seven Black mathematicians to have earned a PhD in mathematics from The Ohio State University. He graduated in 1963. He also obtained bachelor and master’s degrees from OSU.
Learn more about Dr. McWorter on his profile page
One of the topics Dr. McWorter was interested on was fractals. More specifically, he studied algorithms to generate fractals using computers. The lesson plan we propose revolves around one particular fractal that can be created through very simple folds on strips of paper. Dr. McWorter not only explored this fractal, but also experimented with recursive paper folds to create new fractals.
Besides the mathematical and historical learnings this lesson promotes, it encourages students to recognize that deep mathematics can arise from processes as simple as noticing patterns when folding paper.
Lesson Details
Grade level: 4th to 8th
Estimated time: 75 minutes
Form of work: Individual
Ohio Math Standard: 4.OA.5. Generate a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule. Identify apparent features of the pattern that were not explicit in the rule itself.
Math concepts: sequence, algorithm, recursion, infinity
This activity is also available as lesson plan for lower grades (K to 3) and as ready-to-print worksheet.
Filters: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, algorithm, sequences, recursion, infinity, craft, art, Between 60 and 90 minutes
