GRADE SIX: the required math elements

• Euclid, Books III, IV, constructions
• History:
  • Thales
  • Pythagoras
  • Plato
• Activities:
  • The monochord, musical scales, ratios
  • Canons of sculptural and architectural proportion
  • Verify the Pythagorean theorem for arbitrary right triangles by measuring the sides and areas

    Note: Bruce and Don argued to restrict this activity to triangles with integral sides, on the basis that children in grade 6 do not understand irrational numbers, and could not even verify the equation for rational triangles. I granted this for this year.

• Suggested Integrative Projects (one required):
  • The Pythagorean Monochord and the Greek Musical Modes

    Note: This duplicates a required activity above.

  • The Golden Ratio in Greek Art and Architecture

    Note: This duplicates a required activity above.

  • The Root of 2 from Pythagoras to Plato

    Note: Bruce and Don argued that grade 6 children cannot possibly understand the irrationality of the root of 2. This deserves further discussion, and should be deleted, OR, moved above as a required activity. I will delete it for this year.

  • The Value of Pi
  • The Dimensions of the Temple of Solomon
  • The Ektar (or monochord) of India and the 72 melas (modes)

    Note: This duplicates a required activity above.

  • Arithmetic in Phoenician notation