In the transdisciplinary exploration event of the Asian Carnival, mathematics was no longer confined to abstract symbols and formulae! Have you ever imagined how three-dimensional shapes in Asian architecture used mathematics to create spatial wonders? What mathematical secrets lay behind the geometric patterns on the national flags of Asian countries? How does mathematics explain the omnipresent symmetry in Asian architecture? What mathematical wisdom is hidden in the use of circles within Asian culture? How do measurements and calculations in Asian cuisine showcase the delightful interplay of math and taste? Join us in the SUIS Qingpu 2024 Asian Carnival to explore its mathematical chapter.
Building Asia: Architectural Culture Construction Fun
First graders transformed into little architects and embarked on an exciting exploration of Asian architectural culture. They used coloured paper to craft the Shanghai skyline, stacked small paper boxes to build walls, constructed the Great Wall with small blocks, assembled the Taj Mahal with paper tubes, erected the Tokyo Tower using plastic sheets, recreated the Merlion with LEGO, shaped Gyeongbokgung Palace with foam, and moulded the Grand Palace with clay. Using a variety of materials, they constructed the Oriental Pearl Tower and Canton Tower. During the showcase, the children confidently presented their creations and became star presenters who shared the fascinating stories behind each structure, taking us into the three-dimensional world of Asian architecture.
Ingenious Flags of Asia: A Grand Exploration of Geometry in National Flags
Second graders focused on uncovering the geometric mysteries of Asian national flags. From the vibrant Five-Star Red Flag of China to the intriguing flag of Saudi Arabia, each one served as a gateway into the cultural and mathematical secrets of Asian countries. They discovered the power of unity through the angles and edges of the stars on China’s flag; the circle on Japan’s flag inspires a longing for harmony and completeness; the symmetrical Taiji and Bagua symbols on South Korea’s flag embody the philosophy of yin-yang balance; the stripes and patterns on Thailand’s flag shows respect for the monarchy and religion; and India’s simple tri-colour flag symbolizes diversity and inclusivity.
“Wow, mathematics was hidden within these beautiful flags!” “Every pattern on a flag held a big secret!” As the children explored the shapes on Asian flags, they learned to respect different national cultures and broadened their global perspectives.
Cutting Rhythms of Asia: The Beauty of Axial Symmetry in Traditional Art
Third graders embarked on an exploration of the intersection between papercutting art and mathematics, further improving their understanding of axial symmetry through this traditional craft. In the classroom, they used videos and texts to learn about the history, styles, and mathematical principles of papercutting, allowing them to see the cultural significance behind the art through a mathematical lens. As they admired symmetrically designed papercutting works, they engaged in thinking, imagining, drawing, and experimenting on their own. Ultimately, using their class’ carnival theme as a design element, they collaborated to create a large papercutting piece unique to their class. Through each cut and fold, the children experienced the wonder and wisdom of Chinese culture and the artistic beauty found within mathematics.
Round Art of Asia: The Precision of Circles in Everyday Creations
Taste of Asia: The Magic of Measurement in Culinary Creations
Fifth graders embarked on a culinary journey, preparing Asian dishes and exploring the delights of taste. In making burrata with tomato salad, they carefully measured the weight of ingredients; for Umami Ali, they precisely calculated ingredient quantities for six servings; while creating rice pudding, they meticulously controlled financial costs. Preparing delicious, braised pork required examining the calorie content and the fat-to-lean ratio of pork belly to enjoy the dish without guilt. During the cooking process, they estimated braising time based on the amount of meat to achieve the perfect texture. During the showcase, the children created informative posters and videos to clearly present data and proportions. Of course, the most important aspect of food was sharing. As they experienced and savoured the magic of measurement in Asian cuisine, the children naturally discovered the connection between mathematics and Asian culinary culture.
In the Asian Carnival transdisciplinary exploration activity, mathematics served as a bridge connecting knowledge and culture, breaking the boundaries between the abstract and the concrete. The activity enabled our students to delve into diverse Asian cultural contexts and engage in hands-on exploration and innovative thinking. It also helped them understand the essence of Asian culture through the lens of ‘numbers and shapes,’ allowing them to appreciate the charm and value of interdisciplinary learning. We look forward to the next event, where mathematics will continue to open doors for children to explore new cultural realms, fostering a vibrant scene of cultural integration.