Crochet Coral Reefs
This is a brilliant example of what Montessorians call “cosmic education”:the deeply intertwined links among diverse subject areas that emphasize the universality of human knowledge. Who knew that the answer to representing hyperbolic geometry could be found in something as simple and unassuming as crochet?!
I also love Wertheim’s emphasis on “embodied knowledge,” that is, the concept that knowledge should not only be a symbolic abstraction, but also, a hands-on, embodied experience. This is also a key Montessori concept, one that allows us to explore mathematical concepts with the elementary children that most people don’t see until high school or beyond.
Check out the website for The Institute for Figuring, the institute Wertheim and her twin sister founded.
Truly the most profound way to learn. Cosmic education revolution please!
I have been fascinated by this work – corals, crochet and mathematics – for the past several years. It blew my mind when I first began reading articles about it and then when I saw this image on your blog. I actually got tears in my eyes thinking to myself, “This is my Montessori family – we draw from the same well – the deep well of curious, inquisitive minds. Thank you for this post, it meant so much to me.
Susan Dyer
Susan,
Thank you so much for your reply to my blog post…I’ve been trying to keep posting those random but inspirational finds that reinvigorate our passion for our Montessori practice. I, too, had that moment of recognition when I stumbled across this project, of finding “kindred spirits,” as Anne of Green Gables calls them–people who are driven by a deep love of our incredible universe.
Often these days I’ve just not had the energy to post much–we’re buying a house, moving, I’m finishing my elementary training this summer and planning a September wedding–but comments like these reassure me that there is a connection happening…so thanks for reading!
Lena