Basketry Designs and Area
HSS 3.2, HSS 3.2.1, 3.MD.5.a, 3.MD.6, 4.G.2This lesson invites students into a unique and meaningful exploration of Native California basketry through the lens of mathematics and cultural knowledge. Grounded in the traditions of the Karuk, Yurok, and Hupa peoples of Northwestern California, students will examine traditional basket designs and discover the geometry and symbolism woven into each pattern. Students begin by learning about the importance of baskets in Native communities—not only as tools used for cooking, gathering, and ceremony, but as expressions of identity, knowledge, and connection to the land. They will hear directly from a traditional basket weaver through video and explore visual examples of real baskets, noticing the patterns, stories, and craftsmanship each one holds. The lesson then shifts into hands-on mathematical discovery. Students work with patterns found in basketry to explore the concept of area, building shapes using grid paper or geoboards. By calculating how much space these shapes take up, they’re able to apply their math knowledge in a culturally relevant and visually engaging context. This activity encourages students to think like designers and problem-solvers—just like traditional weavers do. Working in pairs or small groups, students take on the role of young mathematicians and artists as they collaborate to analyze basket patterns and calculate area. Teachers are encouraged to support student dialogue through rich questions that prompt reasoning, exploration, and multiple strategies. To deepen their understanding, students reflect on the materials used in basket making and consider the knowledge systems behind the designs. They learn how traditional weaving is connected to land care, seasonal cycles, and community values—demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge systems incorporate science, mathematics, and sustainability. The lesson concludes with individual reflection, where students demonstrate their understanding of area and share their insights about the cultural significance of the designs they've studied. This is more than a math lesson—it's an opportunity to honor Native perspectives, make learning relevant and engaging, and show students how math exists in the world around them in powerful and beautiful ways. Whether you’re hoping to integrate cultural studies into your math block or looking to deepen students’ understanding of geometry through real-world applications, Basketry Designs and Area provides an interdisciplinary, respectful, and enriching learning experience that students will remember.
