Luminescent Explorations

As the winter holidays approach in many parts of the world, buildings, trees, windowsills, mantelpieces, sidewalks, and street curbs become luminiferous. This, of course, is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. Neighbors align equidistant paper bag luminaries along streets and walks. Hanukkah menorahs are lit with candles for eight nights. Gardeners trace the branches of their favorite tree with strings of lights. And, of course, Christmas celebrants often line their roofs, windows, and doors with multicolored electric bulbs. Inherent in this luminating decorations are motivating mathematical lessons on perimeter and area