1. The Mandala Geometry and Art Questions to discuss:
What is the basic shape of a mandala?
What do you think a mandala is for?
Do you think you can use other shapes to create a mandala?
What do you notice about the patterns of the mandala?
The Mandala
Geometry and Art

2. What is a mandala? It is a symbol from Buddhist and Hindu culture.
It represents the Universe.
It is usually made using sand.
Both Hindus and Buddhists holy men and women use it to help with their meditation.
What does this mandala remind you of?

3. Making a Mandala: The Buddhist Way
Watch a video of the making and unmaking of a Mandala by Buddhist monks: qsc (about 4.5 mins) What did the monks have to do first before doing the pattern and colouring of the mandala? Why do you think the monks have to do this? Why do you think the monks unmake the mandala in the end?
Whatever begins has an end.
Circle of life.

4. Features of a Mandala Symmetry: Identical reflection of two sides.
Can you name several objects with symmetry?
What is the opposite of symmetry?
2. Repeated Patterns
Opp of symmetry is asymmetry.
Task 1: Mini mandalas (20 mins)
Use a template (water bottle or any other object with a circular base) and try to create your own mandalas.
You may make more than one.
Encourage pupils to discover their own method of making a mandala.
Do not give pupils any instruction beyond using a template.
Discuss their difficulties.

5. M is for… M is for Mandala! M is also for Mathematics!
To make a Mandala, you must use a type of Maths called… GEOMETRY.
Geometry deals with points, lines, shapes and space.
Geometry
Pic: Vitruvian man by leonardo da vinci
Share with the pupils these interesting facts found by da Vinci while constructing the Vitruvian man, using geometry.
Did you know?
A palm is four fingers.
A foot is four palms.
A man is 24 palms.
The length of the outstretched arms is the height of a man.
The width of the shoulders is one quarter the height of a man.

6. Geometry: Circles
Task 2: Draw a labelled circle with its parts. Use a template.

7. Your Art Project: CD Mandala
You need: CD
Ruler
Protractor
Pencil & Eraser
Colour Markers
Element of art: Line
Principle of design: Pattern

8. Step by Step Guide
Trace out one big and one small circle using container lids.

9. Step by Step Guide: Diameter
Paste the CD at the centre of the page. Mark the middle of the CD with a dot. Draw a line across the dot to make the diameter.

10. Step by Step Guide
Please demonstrate to the kids.
Use a protractor to mark every 30 degrees. (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 degrees) Do the same with the bottom half.

11. Step by Step Guide
Please demonstrate to the kids.
Draw the remaining diameters using the 30 degree marks which you just did.

12. Step by Step Guide
Please demonstrate to the kids.
Draw a simple pattern using simple lines. Repeat the pattern.

13. Step by Step Guide
Please demonstrate to the kids.
Use a ruler and extend the diameter to reach the third circle.

14. Step by Step Guide
Please demonstrate to the kids.
Continue your simple pattern on the second and third layer.

15. Step by Step Guide
Please demonstrate to the kids.
Outline everything with black marker and colour your patterns using coloured markers.

16. Mandalas by other young artists

17. Do you remember?
What is a mandala? What does it represent? What are the features of a mandala?