CREATIVE REUSE PROJECT

Fractal Carpets

Using any large quantity of a repetitive object (take out utensils, straws, dominos, pattern blocks, stale pasta) you can make a fractal carpet. This can be a one time activity, an activity that you work on for multiple days, a temporary activity or by glueing it all down you can make it permanent. Not only is this a great way to see, grow and change patterns, but it’s also a soothing, meditative activity for calm-down or quiet times.

Suggested Reused Materials: Paper, card stock or cereal boxes, fabric, glue, scissors

Applications Across Subjects:

Math
  • Measuring units
  • Geometry units
  • Patterns
  • Design
  • Color wheel, complementary colors
ELA
  • How-To books (about making the fractals)
  • Non-fiction writing about fractals in the world
  • Fiction writing
Social Studies
  • History of patterns, fractals
Science
  • Patterns and fractals in nature
Social & Emotional
  • Cool-down, quiet time activity
  • Meditative activity

Instructions

The aptly-named design firm We Make Carpets has more examples of their amazing work here.

CD Cube Display Cases
Envelope Books