I was inspired by the incredible cardboard sculptures of wrnking to teach this lesson to my students. When you click on the link you will be amazed at the work. My amazement caused me to try my hand at the cardboard sculptures, particularly the masks. Before introducing it to the students, I tried one myself. I have always taught a mask making unit. I love the symbolism, history and culture of masks as an educational experience. I gathered as much recycled cardboard I could find. Students had to employ tons of geometry concepts: properties of triangles, parallel lines and transversals, symmetry, congruent triangles, solving proportions, reflection, and rotation to accomplish, as well as wrestle with the cutting through the thick board. All of the students were required to use a Double-Bubble Thinking Map to compare thier personality and characteristics with that of a sacred animal from Native American folklore. Once they determined what their animal spirit guide was, they researched and sketched their animal so it could be translated into their cardboard mask.
