Art Mathematicians

In this VFT, students will practice observation, collaboration, and creative thinking to discover the applications of math concepts in objects from the NCMA’s permanent collection.  These programs come with an optional Post-VFT Art Kit. Order yours at registration.

Choose from course level-specific programs below.

Ancient Objects & Early Math, for grades K-2

Students explore K-2 math standards in geometry while practicing observation, collaboration, and creative thinking around ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture.  Students will have the opportunity to discover the shapes that they carry with them every day by making a rubbing of the bottom of their shoes.  Please have crayons and copy paper available for students.

Artists as Real-World Math Problem Solvers, for grades 3-8

Students will engage with objects from the museum’s collection and explore their uses of:

• 3 – 4: geometry, area & perimeter, and ratios. 
• 5 – 6: geometry, area & perimeter, ratios, and coordinate planes. (for 5th grade, Math 6, and Math 6 +)
• New! 7 – 8: geometry, scale drawing and ratios, coordinate planes, and congruence through transformations. (for Math 7, Math 7 +, Math 8, and Compacted Math)

Students will have the opportunity to solve the mathematical problems that artists, curators, and art handlers might deal with in their everyday jobs. Please have calculators available for students, if necessary.

“My students traveled all the way from NYC to North Carolina and had an amazing hands-on math learning adventure. We explored the connection between art and math, discovering how math influences artistic creations. The real-world examples made the experience truly engaging and memorable.”

— 4th Grade Math Teacher

Pre-Visit Slideshow for Art Mathematicians

The following slideshow contains images from the museum to prepare your students for their VFT.  Questions to guide your students through engagement with the slideshow are located in the speaker notes and apply to both first-time and returning VFT students.  Feel free to customize your questioning to students’ interests, your class goals, and the time you have available to spend. Click here for your own copy and access to the speaker notes. If anything comes up in conversation with this slideshow that you would like to share with your facilitator, please send an email to CBrown@ncartmuseum.org at least 2 days before your tour.  We look forward to meeting with you and your students during your VFT!

Post-Visit Choice Boards for Art Mathematicians 

These post-visit choice boards contain resources related to your VFT and are organized by age group.  Feel free to use any or all of the resources for teachers or students after your VFT is complete.  Please be sure to preview all resources to select the ones in part or whole that fit your classroom best. 

• Ancient Objects & Early Math, for grades K-2
• Artists as Real-World Problem Solvers, for grades 3-6
• Artists as Real-World Problem Solvers, for grades 7-8