Recently in Math class we have been learning about operations, powers and algebra in our second unit of grade 10 math. During this unit, on top of worksheets and mini quizzes, we also did a big project to show our understanding of the unit.
But before that we started off by learning a bit about the golden ratio through watching a video, where we learned about how the golden spiral is found in everyday objects as well as in nature. This is the video we watched:
After watching the video, we then did a mini scavenger hunt to try and find 5 objects around the room that were the dimensions of the golden ration (1:1:618). To find this measurements of the golden ratio, we divided the longer side by the shorter side. This was actually not as easy as I thought it would be and it took us a while to find a couple of golden ratio measurements. Here is what we came up with:
After we learned a little bit about the golden ratio, we were then introduced to our unit project which consisted of answering the question “How is math used in art to create patterns and appeal to our sense of aesthetics?” For this project we had to create some sort of art piece, architecture, music or anything really that uses the golden ratio and answers the question. For me this was quite difficult at the start to think of something to create as the project was very open ended. But after a bit of thinking, I decided to create a project along the lines of photography as that’s something I’m very passionate about.
To start off the project, I began by researching about the golden ratio to find out a little more about how it’s applied in everyday objects, nature, and art. The golden ratio is a number that is approximately equal to 1.618. To find this number you divide a line into two so that the long side divided by the short side also equals the same as the whole length divided by the short side. (a/b = (a+b)/a = 1.6180339887498948420 …)
Some examples of art pieces with the golden ratio include the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, the School of Athens, and many more.
Once I finished researching about the golden ratio I then went on to looking up about how the golden ratio applies to photography and found quite a few interesting articles. After doing some research I decided that I was going to do my project based around comparing the golden ration and the rule of thirds.
Throughout my research I found out why I think the golden ratio is more appealing to look at then the rule of thirds. These were some very interesting pieces of information on what type of photography it’s used for, how the golden ratio is used and some famous photographers that use the golden ratio in their photography. Some of the famous photographers who use the golden ratio include Ansel Adams who is a landscape photographer and Henri Cartier Bresson who is a candid photographer.
Here are my research notes:
When I was done researching and taking notes about the difference between the golden ratio and rule of thirds, I then brainstormed about how I was going to show the information I found in my own way. I decided to use my own photos to show the golden ratio in not only photography but also nature. To do this I used photos and edited them to fit the golden ratio and explained why they were more appealing to the eye. I also explained how you can use this when taking photos. Most of the photographs are landscape as the golden ratio is the most useful for this type of photography but can also be used for any type of photography such as food, candid, abstract, portrait and many more.
Here are my photos I used to show the golden ratio:
On top of the photos I also made a little book for the write up portion of the project showing the different aspecs about why the golden ratio is better as well as display all my knowledge about the subject in a more interesting manner then just a write up. To create this book I used the app book creator which helped me create a layout I liked and customized so many different aspects.
Here is the mini book I created:
After finishing this project I’m really proud of the final product and had fun doing it as photography is something that I’m passionate about. Although at the time I probably could have worked on my time management skills a little better by working on the project during free time after school. However I did use my class time efficiently and effectively. Overall this project really allowed me to not only learn about the golden ratio but also express my creativity.