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Analysis of an ancient tessellation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2016

A. Orton  and
S. M. Flower
A. Orton
Affiliation:
Centre for Studies in Science and Mathematics Education, University of Leeds
S. M. Flower
Affiliation:
Centre for Studies in Science and Mathematics Education, University of Leeds
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Extract

In “The music of the spheres”, Jacob Bronowski takes us on a mathematical tour of the Alhambra in Grenada. This includes a visit to the Sala de las Camas, that most private inner sanctum, in order to study the tessellations on the walls. We have used this film with teachers in training at Leeds University for some years now. It provides a stimulating introduction to the history of mathematics and enables consideration of the place of historical references in the teaching of mathematics in schools. We have also compiled a worksheet, based on the film, which includes the task of constructing one of the tessellations, illustrated overleaf.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Mathematical Gazette , Volume 73 , Issue 466 , December 1989 , pp. 297 - 301
Copyright
Copyright © The Mathematical Association 1989

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References

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