STEM Math Workshop:

Geometry & Design

Exploring Shapes, Patterns & Engineering
 📢 Why Math Matters in STEM
• Math is the foundation of science, technology, engineering,
and design.
• Engineers use geometry in designing bridges and buildings.
• 3D printing and laser cutting rely on accurate measurements.
• Artists and game designers use patterns and mathematical
models.
 📐 What is Geometry?

• Basic Shapes**: Triangles, squares, circles, hexagons

• Angles**: Right (90°), Acute (<90°), Obtuse (>90°)
• 3D Geometry**: Cubes, spheres, pyramids, platonic solids
 📐 Basic Shapes

Shapes, sizes, and properties of space.

Triangle (Strength & Stability)
• Bridges & Roof Supports – Triangles are used in trusses to provide structural strength.
• Pyramids & Tents – The Great Pyramids of Egypt and camping tents are built with triangular structures for
stability.
🟥 Square (Balance & Efficiency)
• Tiles & Bricks – Square shapes maximize space with no wasted gaps.
• Tables & Windows – Many designs use squares for symmetry and stability.
• Screens & Devices – TV screens, smartphones, and monitors are based on squares or rectangles for display
efficiency.
⚫ Circle (Motion & Smoothness)
• Wheels & Gears – Vehicles use circles because they allow smooth motion.
• Clocks & Watches – Time is measured in circular movements.
🔷 Hexagon (Nature’s Perfect Packing Shape)
• Beehives – Bees use hexagons because they require the least material to store the most honey.
• Tiling & Flooring – Hexagonal tiles provide an efficient way to cover space without gaps.
 📐 Angles
Right Angles (90°) – Strength & Structure
Where You See Them:
• Bricks and Floor Tiles – Laid at 90-degree angles to ensure perfect alignment.
• Graph Paper and Road Intersections – Many cities are designed with grid systems based on right angles.
Why? Right angles are used for structural integrity, stability, and uniformity in construction.
________________________________________
Acute Angles (<90°) – Speed and Efficiency
Where You See Them:
• Scissors and Knives – Sharper angles allow for cleaner, more precise cuts.
• Arrows and Darts – The pointed shape of an acute angle allows objects to travel smoothly through the air.
Why? Acute angles are used for cutting, aerodynamics, and reducing resistance.
________________________________________
Obtuse Angles (>90°) – Stability and Expansion
Where You See Them:
• Mountains and Hills – Many natural landscapes have wide, obtuse angles at their peaks.
• Road Curves and Ramps – Highways use obtuse angles for wide, gradual turns, making driving smoother
and safer.
Why? Obtuse angles help with stability, balance, and gradual transitions in motion.
 📏 Measuring & Scaling
• Proportional Scaling: When an object is scaled, all dimensions
change by the same ratio, maintaining shape accuracy.
• Scaling in Maps & Models: Architects and engineers scale
down large structures for planning and visualization.
• Photography & Graphics: Image resizing uses scaling to
maintain aspect ratio without distortion.
• Mathematical Scaling: Used in scientific diagrams, blueprints,
and CAD designs for precision.
• Challenge: If a shape is scaled by 150%, how do the area and
perimeter change?
 📐 Scaling & Proportions
Scaling & Proportions in Geometry
Scaling changes the size of a shape while keeping its proportions the
same.
• Scale Factor is the number used to enlarge or shrink a shape
proportionally.
• Dilation in Geometry preserves angles while changing side lengths.
Proportions compare two related quantities, ensuring consistency in
scaling.
• Real-World Examples:
• Blueprints & Maps – Architects scale down designs for planning.
• 3D Printing & Laser Cutting – Objects must be resized accurately.
• Golden Ratio (1.618) – Found in nature, art, and architecture for balance.
 📏 Scaling & Proportions
Perimeter is measured in linear units (e.g., cm, m, inches).
When a shape is scaled by "k", its perimeter is multiplied by k.
Example: A rectangle with sides 4 cm and 6 cm has a perimeter of:
4 + 6 + 4 + 6 = 20 cm

Area is measured in square units (e.g., cm², m²).

When a shape is scaled by "k", its area increases by k².
Example: Original rectangle:
Perimeter: 4 + 6 + 4 + 6 = 20 cm
Area: 4 × 6 = 24 cm²
If scaled by 2×:
New Perimeter: 2 × 20 = 40 cm
New Area: 2² × 24 = 96 cm²

Why does area grow faster?

Perimeter is one-dimensional (length only), while area is two-dimensional (length × width),
so area scales exponentially (more and more rapidly).
When objects scale up or down, perimeter and area change at different rates, which is
important in construction, design, and manufacturing.
 Symmetry in Nature, Art, and Engineering

Symmetry appears in natural forms, architectural designs, and

mechanical structures.

Types of Symmetry:
• Reflectional: A mirror image across a dividing line.
• Rotational: A shape looks the same after being rotated.
• Translational: A shape repeats at regular intervals.
 Tessellations & Design Challenge

Tessellations are repeating patterns of shapes that fit together

without gaps or overlaps.
Examples:
• Honeycomb patterns in beehives.
• Mosaic tile floors.
• Escher-style geometric art.

Challenge: Create a tessellation pattern using geometric shapes

and analyze the symmetry used.
 Mathematical Patterns in Nature
Mathematical patterns appear all around us, from nature to engineering.
Fibonacci Sequence: A series where each number is the sum of the two before it
(1,1,2,3,5,8,...).
Simple Fibonacci Examples:
1. Counting on Fingers – Start with 1, add 1 (1+1=2), then add the last two
numbers (1+2=3), and so on:
1. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...
2. Pinecones & Sunflowers – The spirals in their seeds follow Fibonacci
numbers (count them!).
3. Seashells & Hurricanes – Their spiral shapes grow in a Fibonacci pattern.
4. Tree Branches – A tree grows 1 trunk, then 1 branch, then 2, then 3, then
5…
5. Bee Family Tree – A male bee has 1 parent, 1 grandparent, 2 great-
grandparents, 3 great-great-grandparents…
 Fractals & Design Challenge

Fractals are self-repeating patterns found in natural and artificial

structures.

Examples:
• Snowflakes, trees, and lightning patterns.
• -Mountain formations and river networks.
• -Computer-generated fractal art and digital graphics.

Challenge: Draw a Fibonacci spiral or a fractal pattern and

analyze its symmetry.
 🔰 Beginner Project: Laser-Cut Geometric
Puzzle
Goal: Design an interlocking puzzle with polygons.
• Concepts: Perimeter, area, symmetry
• Materials: Laser cutter, vector design software
Steps:
1 Design shapes in a vector program.
1️⃣
2️⃣Cut pieces using a laser cutter.
3️⃣Assemble the puzzle and test the fit.
🔰 Fibonacci Art with Laser Cutting or Cricut
Objective: Students will create a Fibonacci-inspired spiral design using a Cricut, laser
cutter, or hand-drawn templates, reinforcing the concept of the Fibonacci sequence
through hands-on making.
Materials Needed:

• Cardstock, acrylic, or thin wood (for cutting)

• Cricut or laser cutter (or scissors & templates for a manual version)
• Graph paper & ruler (for sketching)
• Compass or string & pencil (for curves)
• Markers or paint (for decoration)
• Glue or fasteners (if layering pieces)
🔰 Fibonacci Art with Laser Cutting or Cricut
Step 1: Create the Fibonacci Design (10–15 min)
• Draw Fibonacci squares on graph paper (1 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 5 cm, etc.).
• Use a compass or freehand draw a spiral through opposite corners of the squares.
• Transfer the design into a vector software (Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, or Cricut
Design Space).
Step 2: Cut the Fibonacci Spiral (10–15 min)
• Laser cut or Cricut cut the design onto wood, acrylic, or cardstock.
• If cutting by hand, print and cut the template with scissors.
• Experiment with variations – create a layered Fibonacci spiral with different
materials.
Step 3: Customize & Assemble (10–15 min)
• Paint or decorate with patterns inspired by nature (sunflowers, shells, galaxies).
• Layer multiple spirals for a 3D effect.D
• iscuss Fibonacci in real life – why do spirals appear in nature?

Bonus Challenge (Optional, 5 min)

Turn the Fibonacci spiral into a keychain, coaster, or pendant using the laser cutter.
Experiment with scaling – make different size versions and compare!
 ⚙️Intermediate Project: 3D Printed
Polyhedron
Goal: Design and print a polyhedron model.

• Concepts: Volume, surface area, 3D modeling

• Materials: 3D printer, Tinkercad

Steps:
1️⃣Model a polyhedron in 3D software.
2️⃣Print and assemble the parts.
3️⃣Calculate the surface area and volume.
 🌍 Real-World STEM Applications
• How do these math concepts apply in real life?
• 📐 **Engineering & Architecture** – Designing structures with
precision.
• 🎮 **Game Design & Animation** – Creating 3D models and
physics simulations.
• 🤖 **Robotics & Manufacturing** – CNC machining, laser
cutting, and 3D printing.
• 🎨 **Art & Design** – Golden ratio, fractals, and tessellations
in creativity.
 🚀 Reflection & Final Challenge
• 📢 Present your finished projects and explain your process.
• 🔎 How did measurements affect your design?
• 📏 What math concept was the most challenging?
• 🔥 Bonus Challenge: Create a math-based puzzle or escape
room challenge!