Grade 7 Math: Using Architecture and Sculpture in Geometry
A Joy2Learn Professional Development Mini-Course
Course Overview
This mini-course introduces middle grades educators to creative, inquiry-based strategies for teaching geometry through architecture and sculpture. Participants will explore how buildings, monuments, public art, and sculptural forms can serve as engaging entry points for understanding geometric concepts such as curvature, spatial reasoning, and real-world design. The course demonstrates how using the work of renowned artists like Frank Gehry and Richard Serra can support students to connect mathematical thinking to the designed world around them. Get a taste of how Joy2Learn’s artist video presentations can enhance your teaching!
Two sessions currently are scheduled:
- June 17, 2026 at 4 PM Eastern
- June 30, 2026 at 4 PM Eastern
Contact us at info@joy2learn.org to discuss arranging a session for your school or district!
Course Goals
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the work of architect Frank Gehry and sculptor Richard Serra
- Define concave and convex shapes using precise mathematical language
- Use visual and real-world models to support spatial reasoning
- Facilitate student discussion that moves from observation to classification to justification
- Design a standards-aligned Grade 7 lesson using Joy2Learn videos as mathematical texts
Course Structure/Expectations
- One hour of advanced preparation tasks
- A one-hour live and interactive webinar
- One hour of follow-up tasks
Support Joy2Learn
True learning happens not via memorization and repetition; it happens by deeply engaging with, and understanding the “why”, behind the subjects being taught.
Your donation will help Joy2Learn inspire and encourage more students, reach more educators and engage everyone who wants to improve public school education with no-fee high quality, cross curricular, arts content.