Culturally Situated Design Tools

Intended Purpose:
This website provides a suite of mathematical tools based on various aspects of a number of cultures. The purpose is to engage students of many different backgrounds in the study of mathematics, and to provide a window into other cultures and practices for all students.

Intended Audience:
The design tools vary in difficulty. The ones I am most familiar with are the Native American bead loom, the cornrow tool, and the rhythm wheel. I have worked with students in fourth grade with the bead loom tool, but older students can use the tools in a more complex way. Elementary students can use the rhythm wheel fairly easily as well. The cornrow tool is somewhat more difficult and the age range of use is at least middle school and above.

Resource Requirements:
The tools are available for use, free of charge, at the URL listed above. All that is needed is an Internet connection.

Abstract:
The tools on this site offer many opportunities to explore math concepts interactively in the light of various cultural practices. Students can use the Native American bead loom tool as part of learning about math coordinates, or in an integrated unit of study on Native Americans. The rhythm wheel can be used in conjunction with learning about least common multiples. The cornrow tool also works with the coordinate system, but in a more challenging way.

Justification:
The tools are free, readily accessible with just an Internet connection, and offer students multiple ways to explore/reinforce math concepts while using technology. Cultural practice is also an important aspect of these tools.