GoKawiilM ATHEMATICAL P ATTERNS
IN A FRICAN A MERICAN H AIRSTYLES
by GLORIA GILMER
MATH-TECH, MILWAUKEE
BACKGROUND.
The discipline of mathematics includes the study of patterns. Patterns can be found everywhere in nature. See Figure 1 with two bees in a beehive. Often these patterns are copied and adapted by humans to enhance their world. See the pineapple in Figures 2a and the adapted hairstyle in Figure 2b. Ethnomathematics is the study of such mathematical ideas involved in the cultural practices of a people. Its richness is in exploring both the mathematical and educational potential of these same practices. The idea is to provide quicker and better access to the scientific knowledge of humanity as a whole by using related knowledge inherent in the culture of pupils and teachers.
fig1 TWO BEES IN A BEEHIVE
FIGURE 2a PINEAPPLE
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