Geometry and Architecture

a WebQuest for 7th grade Math
by Carmela Gravius

Introduction

Geometry is used all around us in the real world. Polygons and the measures of angles, shapes, lines, and 3-dimensional figures appear everywhere. Architecture is one example of how we use geometry. As part of your task, you will search different sites of famous buildings. After choosing one of the structures, you will identify geometric shapes found in the architecture you see, as well as write a 2-page typed report along with a visual aid for your presentation.

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The Task

Using the given resources below, you will research photographs of famous buildings to examine the geometry that can be found in architecture. After choosing one building, you will need to:

Label geometric shapes in your building from a printed picture of it.
Write a written report about the structure. Include:

where it is located
when it was constructed
who built it
why it was constructed
a description of the building supporting how geometry is used in the architecture

Create a visual aid (poster, 3-dimensional model, PowerPoint presentation, etc.) for your presentation.

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Resources

United States Capitol	The Parthenon	Eiffel Tower
Empire State Building	Sears Tower	Statue of Liberty

"Clicking on the above links will direct you to site(s) outside of the Lakeland Central District and the Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School server. The Lakeland Central School District is not responsible for contents on external sites and servers, nor does the district endorse the sponsors or advertising on these sites."

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The Process

To accomplish the task, you will need to follow the steps listed below:

Use the given resources to view photographs of famous structures.
Choose one building you are interested in and print a copy of a photo of it.
On the printed picture, label geometric shapes that you see by using arrows to identify the geometry you found. Examples can include types of angles, types of two and three dimensional figures, parallel and perpendicular lines, similar figures, and types of symmetry.
Research information about the structure you have chosen.
Using Microsoft Word, write a 2-page (double spaced) report. Include the criteria mentioned in "The Task". Remember to cite your resources.
As part of your presentation, make a visual aid (poster, 3-dimensional model, PowerPoint presentation,etc.).
Present your work to the class.

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Evaluation

The following rubric will be used to evaluate your understanding of how the chosen structure is representative of the use of geometry in architecture.

	Exemplary (4)	Competent (3)	Satisfactory (2)	Needs improvement (1)
Geometric Examples	9+ examples	6 - 8 examples	3 - 5 examples	0 - 2 examples
Report	A complete response with a clear, coherent explanation.	Good solid response with clear explanation.	Explanation is unclear.	Misses key points.
Use of Visual	Clear creative presentation with great detail.	Clear creative presentation with some detail.	Inappropriate or unclear creative presentation.	No creative presentation.
Mechanics	No grammatical errors in written report.	No major grammatical errors or serious flaws in written report.	May be some grammatical errors or flaws in written report.	Major grammatical errors or serious flaws in written report.
Demonstrated Knowledge	Shows complete understanding of the project.	Shows substantial understanding of the project.	Response shows some understanding of the project.	Response shows a complete lack of understanding of the project.

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Conclusion

This task creates an awareness of how geometry is used in the everyday world. Polygons and other geometric shapes are embedded in three-dimensional objects such as buildings, monuments, and bridges.
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Photograph Credits:
The Great Buildings Collection
http://www.greatbuildings.com
United States Capitol
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/United_States_Capitol.html
The Parthenon
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/The_Parthenon.html
Eiffel Tower
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Eiffel_Tower.html

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page.

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