Second Quarter
Golden Ratio Project

The Golden Ratio is one of the most amazing discoveries in mathematics. It is proof that mathematics is not created, but rather inherent in nature. Your assignment is to explore the Golden Ratio in an area of your choosing. To learn more about the Golden Ratio, please visit Mr. Narain's Golden Ratio Website. Remember that this website is only one of many Golden Ratio sites on the internet, but it is a good place to start.

You may work in groups of up to three members, or you may choose to work on your own. Remember that the contribution of each member of your group must be documented in detail. Your project must take one of the following forms (Click on the names to see a grading rubric):

Artistic: Create a work of art that incorporates the Golden Ratio. Projects will be graded on originality, creativity, and attractiveness. Be ready to demonstrate how and where the Golden Ratio appears in your creation. See Activities 2-6 and 8 on the website.

Exploratory: Discover the Golden Ratio on your own. This involves making measurements and documenting your discoveries. Look for the Golden Ratio in art, architecture, everyday objects, or in nature (even in humans!), for example. See Activities 1-3, 7, and 8 on the website.

Historical: Trace the origins of the Golden Ratio through research. Write a paper that documents where and how it was discovered and by whom. Remember, there is more than one answer to this question. Make sure to cite any works used. See Main Page on website and Activities 2-3.

Scientific: Test whether or not the Golden Ratio really makes things more attractive. Design an experiment to prove (or disprove) that objects containing the Golden Ratio are more attractive to the human eye. Be sure to include your hypothesis, data, analysis, and conclusions. See Activities 1 and 8 on the website.

In addition to the requirements mentioned above, you will be graded on the following items:

• Neatness
  
• Teamwork (if you worked in a group)
  
• Difficulty of chosen project
  
• Accuracy
  
• Effort
  
• Works Cited (if any)

This project will count for the equivalent of one test grade toward your First Semester grade.

Checkpoints and Due Dates:

Choose group members and area of concentration for your project: Friday, December 13, 2002

Design and implementation of specific project: Wednesday, December 18, 2002

Teamwork check-up: Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Project Due: Friday, January 17, 2003

Please be sure to check with Mr. Narain for suggestions or help with your project! Do not leave this until the last minute!!!

For some examples of other students' work, please click here.