Real Life Applications of Geometry

Introduction

     Throughout history, humans have used geometry to create some of the most beautiful and iconic works of art and architecture. Believe it or not, many of these artists and architects were inspired by geometric relationships that they observed in nature! Geometry can be found everywhere we look. Once we're able to recognize it, we can use our knowledge of geometric principles to find out more about the world around us!

                                              

     In this WebQuest, you will search the web for real-world examples of the geometric principles we have discussed so far in this class. Be sure to look for examples in art, architecture, nature, and anywhere else you can think of! After your search, you will then share and discuss your findings with the rest of your classmates by posting to a Jamboard. 

Task

     In the first part of this task, you will gather images from the web that demonstrate one or more of the geometric principles that we have discussed so far in this course. You must gather at least six images to use as examples. 

     In the second part of this task, you will participate in a Jamboard activity with the rest of your classmates. You will create 6 posts, one for each of your images. In each post, you will write a 1-2 sentence explanation of the geometric relationship that you found. You will then comment on the posts of at least three other students. 

Process

Part 1: Search the Web!

   Your first five images must demonstrate at least one of the following geometric principles: 

  1. Find an image with at least three different types of quadrilaterals. 
  2. Find an image with two parallel lines cut by a transversal.
  3. Find an image that includes an acute, obtuse, and right triangle.
  4. Find an image with similar polygons. 
  5. Find an image with an angle bisector.

   Your final image must demonstrate a geometric principle that is not listed above.

   Use the following resources for your search:

  1. American Architecture
  2. Paris Architecture
  3. Digital Imaging Project
  4. The Great Buildings Collection
  5. Nature Wallpaper

   Save each image to your Google Drive!

Part 2: Share with the Class!

   Navigate to Google Classroom and click the posted link titled, WebQuest Jamboard.

   On the left toolbar, click the Add Image icon, and insert all six of your images. 

   Use the Sticky Note icon to add a caption to each of your images. 

   In your caption for each post, you should:

  • Identify the geometric principle that is illustrated by the image. 
  • Discuss any special relationships between different figures in the image. 

   Once you have created all six of your posts, look at the images and read the captions posted by your classmates. 

   Comment on the geometric relationships shown in at least 3 of your classmate's posts.

Evaluation

This rubric will be used to evaluate your six posts in Jamboard, as well as your comments on others' posts.
           0-1 points         2-3 points          4-5 points        Score
Quality of Images  Student has not selected enough images, or most of the student's images do not accurately demonstrate a geometric principle. Student has selected 6 images, however 1 or more of the images does not accurately demonstrate a geometric principle.  Student has selected 6 images that clearly demonstrate each of the 5 required geometric principles, and one additional principle.              /5
Quality of Captions Student has not included captions for images, or most captions do not include accurate information, or captions are not related to geometric principles and relationships.  Student's captions for 1 or more images contain inaccurate descriptions of the geometric principles or relationships in the image; Student is missing 1 or more captions. Student has created a caption for each image that identifies a geometric principle and explains any relationships between figures in the image.              /5
Quality of Comments Student has not commented on any other students' posts, or student has made comments that are not related to geometric principles and relationships.  Student has commented on 3 others' posts, however 1 or more of the comments contain inaccurate information, or the student has repeated the comment of another student.  Student has commented on 3 others' posts and has contributed new information about the geometric principles and relationships found by their classmates.              /5
Total:                  /15

 

Conclusion

After completing this WebQuest, students have established a connection between their geometry knowledge and the world around them! The students will now be able to identify geometric relationships and principles, wherever they go. This skill will allow them to gain a greater understanding for how the world works, through the lens of geometry!