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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

The golden ratio

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L510

A lesson plan for Grade 6 Mathematics

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

About this resource

Appropriate grades
6
Subjects
mathematics (applied mathematics, measurement)
Provider
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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Students learn about ratios, including the “Golden Ratio,” a ratio of length to width that can be found in art, architecture, and nature. Students examine different ratios to determine whether the Golden Ratio can be found in the human body. After a discussion of previous experiences with ratios, students measure body heights and write their measurements as ratios. Then, students determine if their measurements meet the criteria of the Golden Ratio.

Students will:

  • Understand the concept of ratio.
  • Explore ratios dealing with the human body by taking measurements and calculating the ratios.
  • Explore the Golden Ratio.

NCTM Standards and Measurements:

  • Understand both metric and customary systems of measurement.
  • Solve problems involving scale factors, using ratio and proportion.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 6

  • Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will select and use appropriate tools to measure two- and three-dimensional figures.
    • Objective 2.01: Estimate and measure length, perimeter, area, angles, weight, and mass of two- and three-dimensional figures, using appropriate tools.