Arts Integration

Lesson Plan
“Fractals: The Sierpinski Triangle”

Subject: Math Grade: 4th

Objective • Create a fractal called, “The Sierpinski Triangle”
to describe and compare fractional parts of a set
of objects.
• Identify and describe patterns and relationships.
• Write a paragraph describing pattern found in the
fractal called, “The Sierpinski Triangle”.
TAKS # 1 - Number Concepts
TEKS 4.2 - Number, operation, and quantitative reasoning.
The student describes and compares fractional parts of
whole objects or sets of objects.

4.7 - Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking.

The student uses organizational structures to analyze to
describe patterns and relationships.
Materials/Technology Triangle grid paper, crayons, rulers, white tag board,
Prisma pencils, Magic Rub erasers, several triangle
patterns (4 different sizes), black line master of patterns
Procedure 1. Using the triangle grid paper, pencil, and ruler,
draw an equilateral triangle that is 16 small
triangle units long. Locate the midpoint of each
of the three sides (8 triangle units long). Connect
the midpoints of each side. Choose a crayon of
any color and shade the triangle in the center.

2. Next, locate the midpoint of each of the three

sides of the remaining three triangles that have
not been shaded (4 triangle units long). Connect
the midpoints of the sides and shade the three
triangles in the center as before.
 3. Now locate the midpoint of each of the remaining
nine triangles that have not been shaded (2
triangle units long). Follow the same procedure
as before, making sure to follow the shading
pattern. You will have 1 large, 3 medium, and 9
small triangles shaded.

4. Using the fractal created, construct another

identical Sierpinski Triangle using provided
triangle patterns by tracing on the white tag
board.
5. Use artistic creativity to shade the triangles in
interesting color patterns with Prisma pencils.
6. Combine the students’ triangles to form a larger
Sierpinski Triangle. This makes a really nice wall
hanging for the classroom.
Vocabulary Fractal, midpoint, equilateral triangle, pattern, fraction,
fractional part, whole, set

Evaluation Teacher-made rubric, observation

Resources A Fractals Unit for Elementary and Middle School
Students (Cynthia Lanius); www.math.rice.edu

Spanky Fractal Database; www.spanky.triumf.ca

Teacher Notes Students should have prior knowledge of fractions,
fractional parts of a whole, and fractional parts of a set.
The teacher may use the resources listed above and
those attached for examples of a Sierpinski Triangle.

The teacher should introduce and review listed

vocabulary. Fractals should be introduced and
examples presented as an introduction to this lesson.

Math Questions on Sierpinski’s Triangle:

1. Look at the triangle you made in Step One. What
fraction of the triangle did you NOT shade?
2. What fraction of the triangle in Step Two is NOT
shaded?
 3. What fraction did you NOT shade in Step Three
triangle?
4. Do you see a pattern here? Use the pattern to
predict the fraction of the triangle you would NOT
shade in if you continued this pattern.
5. Find another interesting pattern in the fractal
called the Sierpinski Triangle. Write a paragraph
describing this pattern.

Depending upon your students’ abilities, the teacher

may extend the Sierpinski Triangle one more step.