STEAM Project: Connecting Ancient Mosaic Technology with Modern Pixel Art
Help me give my students materials to complete a mini-unit on creating mosaics as we study ancient technologies and art, use math to plan projects, and make connections to modern pixel art.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Smith's classroom raised $316
This project is fully funded
My Project
In our digital literacy class and makerspace in Philadelphia, we engage in hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) learning with connections to social studies and literacy. In grade 7, we complete mini-units that help us learn about technologies: past, present, and future.
This school year, we will explore connections between the ancient art of creating mosaics with tile and modern pixel art.
Specifically, we will study examples of tile work and patterns from around the world to kick off a mini-unit. Then, we will reflect on how tiles and modern pixels are often used to construct imagery and patterns. Prior to this mini unit, students will have created their own pixel art using binary code.
To create our mosaics, we will plan from the "grout" up using math. What mathematical areas will we want to cover? How big are the tiles, and how many will we need? How big should gaps between tiles be, and how will we revise our designs and plans knowing this? Rather than provide students with a worksheet, I will empower them to approach the problem with different strategies—and share those strategies. This kind of mathematical problem solving is incredibly important in middle school.
An additional layer of this project will be introducing students to a craft that they can apply to remodeling a home later in life, pursuing a related career, or creating tiled works as a hobby. For other projects in grade 7, we learn to use hammers and nails, design and create things with CAD software and a 3D printer, and develop algorithms for a drone flight project. This mosaic project, with it's cross-disciplinary connections, will add another layer to what is a hands-on class with opportunities to make things that connect the past, present, and future.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Mosaic Tiles Squares Dark Blue Crystal Mosaic Glass Tile for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
3
$20.67
Mosaic Tiles Squares Dark Yellow Crystal Mosaic Glass Tile for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
3
$20.67
Mosaic Tiles Squares Deep Red Crystal Mosaic Glass Tile for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
3
$20.67
Mosaic Tiles Squares Dark Green Crystal Mosaic Glass Tile for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
3
$20.67
Mosaic Tiles Squares Black Crystal Mosaic Glass Tile for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
3
$20.67
White Powdered (Sanded) Grout - 2 LBS
• Amazon Business
$19.50
1
$19.50
White Crystal Mosaic Tiles Squares Stained Glass for Crafts Supplies DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
2
$13.78
100 Pieces Mosaic Tile Squares Silver Gray Crystal Mosaic Tiles for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm
• Amazon Business
$6.89
2
$13.78
100 Pieces Mosaic Tiles Squares Bulk Pink Crystal Mosaic Stained Glass for Crafts Supplies DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm
• Amazon Business
$6.89
2
$13.78
100 Pieces Mosaic Tiles Squares Light Blue Crystal Mosaic Stained Glass Kits for Adults Crafts Supplies DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm
• Amazon Business
$6.89
1
$6.89
FAIRUO Sea Blue Mosaic Tiles Squares Crystal Mosaic Glass Tile for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
1
$6.89
Mosaic Tiles Squares Deep Purple Crystal Mosaic Glass Tile for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
1
$6.89
Mosaic Tiles Squares Orange Crystal Mosaic Glass Tile for Crafts Bulk DIY Picture Frames Handmade Jewelry Coasters Art Material Decoration,1x1cm,100 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$6.89
1
$6.89
Materials cost
$214.91
Vendor shipping charges
$19.95
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.22
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$268.08
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$47.31
Total project goal
$315.39
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$315.39
4 Donors
-$297.74
Donations toward project cost
-$268.08
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Smith and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
