Volume and Art

Einstein Sherwood Forest

5th Grade, Math & Visual Art

Ms. Chiarizio / Mrs. Thompson

As an end of the year project, Mrs. Thompson’s 5th grade math class used their knowledge of volume and art to construct a sculpture from paper rectangular prisms. Beginning by choosing a subject to depict, students made artistic decisions involving color, lines, texture, and whether to make their piece representational or abstract. They constructed five or more rectangular prisms, measured the length, width, and height, and calculated the total volume of their project. The subjects of their works included a variety of plants, buildings, vehicles, self-portraiture, favorite foods, a menagerie of animals, and several abstract pieces depicting concepts such as travel, home, and the elements of nature.

Students also wrote artist statements about their processes and pieces and engaged in individual and whole class reflection after they completed their work.  Ashton shared, “We made magical and mysterious sculptures! It was so much fun!” Vanik reflected on how he learned more about math and himself throughout the process of the project. He said, “I liked [writing] the artist statement because it taught me something about myself” and,  “I learned that you can find volume in anything, like sculptures. I learned I like to help people and when I need help, they are here to help me.” Many students noted that the work was more challenging than they had anticipated, but it was also enjoyable. Samantha said, “I learned that when you make a sculpture, you work hard. Also I learned that everyone is an artist or can be if they at least try.”

To celebrate the work that each student put into their math masterpieces, the completed sculptures were displayed in the school’s foyer. The 5th graders took a gallery walk during which they admired each other’s work, gave positive feedback to their classmates, and enjoyed light refreshments.

Mrs. Thompson and Ms. Chiarizio are so proud of the 5th grade students, their work, and all the ways they have grown this year as mathematicians and artists!