Question

in mathematics education 'kolams' are useful for understanding?

Answer 1

In the art form of kolam, dots called pulli are arranged in rhombic, square, triangular, or free shapes, and a single, uninterrupted linear or curvilinear line, called the kambi, intertwines the dots (Yanagisawa & Nagata, 2007). While there are no written or verbally stated rules, Yanagisawa and Nagata have deduced some of the basic rules of pulli and kambi kolam from examining the designs: "(1) Loop drawing-lines, and never trace a line through the same route. (2) The drawing is completed when all points are enclosed by a drawing-line. (3) Straight lines are drawn along the dual grid inclined at an angle of 45 degrees. (4) Arcs are drawn surrounding the points. (5) Smooth drawing" (p. 32). They do point out that some exceptions to these rules are made, although rarely. We would also like to add, based on our observations, a sixth rule: there must be symmetry in the drawings. Girls somehow understand these implicit regulations and operate within the parameters.