Exploring the Math and Art Connection: Teaching and Learning Between the Lines

Daniel Jarvis and Irene Naested highlight the natural association between math and art in a series of practical ideas for the classroom, because when students understand the math/art connection, their understanding and confidence increase in both subjects.

Through innovative teaching strategies and more than 100 rich learning experiences, Jarvis and Naested give teachers a wealth of engaging tools to explore the math/art connection with their own students. This connection is established through examinations of natural and human-designed objects, from how pine cone scales spiral out in a Fibonacci sequence to how geometric shapes combine in architecture to form some of the most beautiful structures on the planet.

Daniel Jarvis, PhD, is a professor at Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education. He received his PhD from Western University, and his research interests include integrated curricula, instructional technologies, teacher professional learning, and educational leadership. With a background in both mathematics and visual arts, he has enjoyed teaching courses at all three levels of education.

Irene Naested, EdD, is a professor at Mount Royal University’s Department of Education and Schooling at Mount Royal University. Irene’s background as an artist, author, and educational leader in K-12 and post-secondary institutions has provided her with many valuable, varied, and rich experiences. She is passionate about the role of arts in the education of young learners.