A woman speaks to a room full of children who are sitting on the floor in a room inside the National Quilt Museum

The National Quilt Museum in Paducah as developed a new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) curriculum. Photo courtesy of the National Quilt Museum

Imagine your students surrounded by world-class art that features a hidden geometry lesson!

The National Quilt Museum in Paducah is rolling out a new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum. This innovative educational initiative is the first to connect geometry and quilting to create interactive experiences that strengthen students’ STEM skills while building an appreciation for the arts. The program is sponsored by Murray State University’s Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology and BFW|Marcum Engineering & Consulting.

Lesson plans for students K-12 were possible through the collaboration with Murray State University’s Math and Statistics Department and are based on quilts from Victoria Findlay Wolfe’s “Option Expedition,” on exhibit at the National Quilt Museum through Sept. 9. Building off the geometric shapes present throughout Findlay Wolfe’s quilts (triangles, trapezoids, and beyond), the curriculum meets the required standards for geometry education in Kentucky. The lesson plans are made available for grade levels K-2, 3-5, middle grades and high school.

School groups are provided complimentary access to the museum gallery and classroom space as part of the National Quilt Museum’s mission to advance student education and foster appreciation of the art and heritage of quilting in America. The lesson plans are kid-tested and teacher-approved!

“Math in ACTION! Is the best way I know to describe the experience,” said Sherry Bertram, district instructional coach for Paducah Public Schools and former 7th-grade math teacher. “Our students were able to see math in everyday objects such as quilts. They were able to make application of their classroom standards in a real-world visual experience. To see the students’ excitement and wonder was thrilling, but the very best part was hearing their conversations using the appropriate math vocabulary! It was a very exciting experience that I hope many students get to enjoy and learn from.”

The gallery space is transformed into an experiential classroom filled with geometric quilts featuring big, bold colors and graphic designs. Classroom teachers may use the written lesson plans provided by the National Quilt Museum or use their own to instruct students on key concepts that come alive in vibrant colors. Findlay Wolfe has created hundreds of combinations with these same basic shapes, which has inspired more ideas for creating additional quilts for “Option Expedition” as it continues to travel to museums across the country and abroad.

The student is taken on a journey to discover the creative possibilities in geometry. It also gives teachers an innovative way to introduce or reinforce principles of shapes, proportion, scale, and patterns – building blocks for other branches of mathematics. They can even create their own version of a Victoria Findlay Wolfe-inspired quilt design using an interactive design board in the Gallery.

As a bonus, the National Quilt Museum’s director of learning and engagement, Becky Glasby, answers the question, “what is a quilt?” and shares the cultural significance of the National Quilt Museum and its role in Paducah’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City.

“This is just the beginning,” National Quilt Museum Executive Director Bonnie Schrock said. “As more corporations require proficiency in STEAM skills, the National Quilt Museum is committed to expanding our STEAM programming.”

Schrock said the museum recently partnered with the University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering Paducah Campus Materials Science program on a curriculum for higher learning that amplifies mathematics/engineering creativity, utilizing exhibits by Victoria Findlay Wolfe and Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry.

“Now that we’ve opened the door to math and science through the artistry of quilting, the sky is the limit,” Schrock said.

Educators interested in the new STEAM curriculum may contact Becky Glasby, director of learning and engagement, to schedule a complimentary field trip for schools and student groups to the National Quilt Museum.

For additional information about the National Quilt Museum, visit the National Quilt Museum website or call (270) 442-8856.