Education Technology

Golden Rectangles

Subject Area
Math: Middle Grades Math: Geometry
Math: Middle Grades Math: Measurement
Math: Middle Grades Math: Problem Solving
Math: PreAlgebra: Geometry
Math: PreAlgebra: Measurement
Level
6-8
Activity Time
60 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-15 Explorer™/TI-10
Other Materials
    This is Activity 11 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Developing Problem-Solving Skills with the TI-15

    The following materials are required for this activity:
  • Envelopes (Legal and Letter size)
  • Playing cards
  • Chart paper
  • Pens
  • Metric rulers
  • Meter sticks
Resource Types
Lessons

Golden Rectangles

Activity Overview

Students measure rectangles and calculate ratio between the sides. They compare the ratio to the Golden Ratio (1.618).

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 73 - 79 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:

  • Calculate the ratio of the height to the arm span, and compare it with the Golden Ratio [1.618]
  • Find the ratios of other body parts, and decide which one is closer to the Golden Ratio


  • Identify and measure some rectangles and rectangular objects like envelopes and playing cards
  • Calculate the ratio between the long side and the short side of each rectangle
  • Identify the rectangles whose ratio is closest to the Golden Ratio
  • After the Activity

    Students collect more information on the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Series. They study art, architecture, and nature for these numbers.

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
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    Download Files
    Subject Area
    Math: Middle Grades Math: Geometry
    Math: Middle Grades Math: Measurement
    Math: Middle Grades Math: Problem Solving
    Math: PreAlgebra: Geometry
    Math: PreAlgebra: Measurement
    Level
    6-8
    Activity Time
    60 Minutes
    TI Calculator
    TI-15 Explorer™/TI-10
    Other Materials
      This is Activity 11 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
      Developing Problem-Solving Skills with the TI-15

      The following materials are required for this activity:
    • Envelopes (Legal and Letter size)
    • Playing cards
    • Chart paper
    • Pens
    • Metric rulers
    • Meter sticks
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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