We decided to develop a
series of lesson plans dealing with the Golden Ratio. We feel
that meaningful mathematics is important to students when learning
about mathematical topics. Finding the golden ratio in the body,
nature, and manufactured goods, allows students a purpose for
meaningful measurement. With all the measurements that students
are collecting, it is important that they find some way to organize
their data so that measurements do not get lost.
With technology like fathom
and excel, it is easy to organize data and compute quantities.
It is also easy to analyze data using charts and graphs. These
programs can show great deals of quantities without being overbearing.
The following three-day unit incorporates the use of technology with student organization and analysis of data. It includes lessons plans, activities and homework assignments. This allows a middle school teacher to easily implement a golden ratio assignment in her classroom.