Discovering Geometry through Islamic Patterns

Two eighth grade geometry students spent two weeks studying the blending of math and art in Islamic patterns, which use properties of regular polygons, symmetry, and transformations to create beautiful patterns for contemplation and inner-peace.

Specifically, they studied a famous pattern displaying six-, eight- and twelve-pointed stars, from the 14th-century Córdoba Synagogue in Spain by re-creating it with a 21st century tool: the math app Geogebra. The design begins with the famous “flower of life” motif, a series of overlapping circles whose arcs form a six-pointed petal design that creates a template of vertices for the underlying hexagonal grid.

Once the hexagons begin to appear, then the stars start coming out by connecting the line segments created by the various points of intersection of the circles. Eventually, the Cordoba design begins to show forth. 

E.K., after a lot of hard work on his computer, created this design:

One student also created his design on his computer using Geogebra.

Even with the modern tools of computer mouses and software, given the precise and repetitive steps necessary for replicating the Cordoba Synagogue design, the project took a lot of time, increasing the students appreciation for the stunning designs created centuries ago with just the hand tools of compasses and straight edges.