On The Golden Ratio page of this site, we discussed the lack of agreement over the prevalence of the Divine Proportion in art, architecture, and nature. The activities in the first four lessons, however, are largely set in the context of geometry where the existence of the Golden Ratio is undisputed. In Lesson Five, we return to the controversy by examining the presence of the Golden Ratio in the human body.
Lesson Five – The Human Body The lesson, which is taken from The Super Source - Number, Grades 7 and 8 (ISBN 10 -1574521713, ISBN 13 – 9781574521719) is divided into two main parts. In the first part, students are directed to measure various aspects of their bodies and to compare them in very prescribed ways. In the second part, students are told which dimensions of their faces to measure, but it is up to them to discover which pairs of measurements, when compared, typically adhere to the Divine Proportion. This is an excellent opportunity for students to test the validity of the Golden Ratio in the human form for themselves and to decide whether they side with Meisner or Markowsky on this issue. Some very rich conversations can be inspired by this lesson.
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In order for the lesson to proceed smoothly, the following adaptations are recommended:
- The lesson calls for the use of Snap Cubes and Cuisinaire Rods as measuring tools. Most classrooms do not have the massive quantities of these manipulatives that would be required. Using typical tools (measuring tapes, metre sticks) with standard units of measurement is advised.
- Ensure that the students have some background knowledge of the controversy described on The Golden Ratio page.
- The lesson, as written, assumes that all students will agree that the Golden Ratio exists in the human form. The presentation of the lesson should be augmented to allow for varied opinions. The potential for deeper mathematical understanding is enhanced, not inhibited, by this openness to opposing views. The potential richness of the debate around this issue can uncover many mathematical nuances that will benefit all students. Remember that this lesson is about developing students’ understanding of ratio and proportionality, and not about convincing students to accept one specific point of view about the Divine Proportion in the human body.
- It is extremely important for teachers to be sensitive to students’ well-being. Many middle school students suffer from lowered self-esteem due to damaging perceptions of their own bodies. If there is any suspicion that this lesson may exacerbate these issues, even for a single student, it should be omitted. Even if no such suspicion exists, this lesson should be accompanied by appropriate body image and self-esteem instruction in Health class.
Reference
The super source: Number - Grades 7-8. (2007). Vernon Hils, IL: ETA/Cuisenaire.
The super source: Number - Grades 7-8. (2007). Vernon Hils, IL: ETA/Cuisenaire.