Exploring measurement, sequences, and curves with stringed instruments
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L594
A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Mathematics
Students will measure lengths on stringed musical instruments, and discuss how the placement of frets on a fretted instrument is determined by a geometric sequence. Illuminations provides activity sheets, overhead templates, and detailed instructions for completing the lesson.
Students will:
- Determine the accuracy and precision of a measuring tool, and choose an appropriate measuring tool for an investigation.
- Discover the geometric sequence formed by the frets on a string instrument.
- Determine the ratio that occurs between frets.



