Welcome to the most awesome math art holiday project you can imagine: make a Christmas tree out of a Sierpinski fractal triangle.
Okay, I realize there is a lot to unpack in that statement. Let's start with something easier to grasp. This math art project is a great STEAM activity for kids to do at home, and especially in the classroom, where kids working together can craft a huge fractal tree.
For the uninitiated... a Sierpinski triangle is a mathematically generated pattern in which self-similar shapes are repeated across different scales in a never-ending feedback loop. (I think I got that right.) In layman's terms, the same shape is repeated in different sizes to infinity.
I contributed a a Sierpinski triangle drawing project to the book STEAM Kids Christmas, and now I am going to encourage you to take that drawing and turn it into a 3D fractal triangle! I'm sure you've been hearing awesome things about our Amazon best seller so buy it here: Ebook | Amazon (Print) | Ebook for EU customers
Here's a peek at the 2D Sierpinski Christmas tree:
Okay, on to 3D fractal math art awesomeness.
First watch the video to experience the magic, then read further for the written instructions.
Note: although we did this project as a Christmas tree, you can do it any time of year without a holiday theme.
What you need:
- Our tetrahedron template. Download it here. You will need 16 tetrahedrons to make the basic tree.
- Paper in any color you wish.
- Scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
Print out the template.
Cut out the tetrahedron, fold along the solid lines, fold up into the 3D shape.
Tuck in the flaps and tape edges.
Tape together 4 tetrahedrons to make one large tetrahedron.
Tape 4 large tetrahedrons into a larger tetrahedron. This tetrahedron will be composed of 16 tetrahedrons.
Congratulations. You just made your first Sierpinski fractal!
If you are doing this as a holiday project you can top it off with a star. TIP: in the [book] there are instructions for making a fractal star!
Watch the video and experience the magic.
Don't forget to do more awesome STEAM projects, including beautiful math art projects and designs throughout the year. My team has an amazing resource I know you will love.
Rachel says
I know people who do this with hamantaschen for Purim.
Thomas says
Have done this but on a larger scale. It's a nightmare to keep together, but very effective.
Suzie Homemaker says
Is the star a Moravian Star? I ask because our church is In Moravian Falls NC and those stars are hugh here. One tops our church tree. They were a math challenge when they first came about in the moravian church.
Nicole Irzl says
Good afternoon,
I really liked this activity and would love to try it.... however I hate wasting paper.
Wouldn't it be possible to have 2 tetrahedrons per page? : )
Enjoy all your ideas and look forward to receiving your mails. THANK YOU!!
Erica says
If you cut out the template on a piece of heavy paper then you can use it as a template to trace the tetrahedron and fit as many as possible on to one sheet. Unfortunately I don't have a fancy drawing software program (and I'm not that skilled!) and if I size it down to fit two to a page it becomes too small. But tracing the template should work well!