Name: ___________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ Hour: ____

Similarity in Our World Project Introduction:

In Mathematics and particularly in our Geometry class, the concept of similarity is clearly defined. Through the study of similar figures (triangles) we see how these inherent relationships between objects can be used to solve problems. People often use the term Similar to mean things that appear to have some characteristics in common. We can gain greater understanding by comparing and contrasting such "similar" things. Today we are going to look at some similar things that are not necessarily mathematical objects. In the spaces below, please make notes about how you see these objects as similar. Recall that we used three theorems about similarity (AA, SAS, & SSS). Keep these in mind as you look for factors that make these objects similar. Object #1: Listen carefully and make notes about things like style, instruments used etc.

Object #2: Listen carefully and make notes about things like style, instruments used etc.

Take a minute to write down what aspects of these two objects you see as similar.

Which one of our three ways to show triangles similar (AA, SAS, SSS) do you think shows these objects to be similar? Give a brief explanation in the space below.

Now, we are going to view some similar things that are not mathematical objects. In the spaces below, please make notes about how you see these objects as similar. Again, recall the three theorems about similarity (AA, SAS, & SSS). Keep these in mind as you look for factors that make these objects similar. Object #1: Watch carefully and make notes about things like style, instruments used etc.

Object #2: Watch carefully and make notes about things like style, instruments used etc.

Object #3: Watch carefully and make notes about things like style, instruments used etc. (This one may be silly)

Take a minute to write down what aspects of these objects you see as similar.

Which one of our three ways to show Triangles similar (AA, SAS, SSS) do you think shows these objects to be similar? Give a brief explanation in the space below.

After viewing the final video, ask yourself this: Would I have seen these things as similar before today? Why or Why not?

Similarity in Our World Project Overview:

The concept of similarity as presented through the study of triangles can be used to solve many problems involving triangles and other similar polygons, The idea of similarity also can and should be applied not only to objects, but ideas and events to use the underlying connections to gain understanding and to solve problems. There are three major ways to show Triangles are similar, AA similarity, SSS similarity, and SAS similarity. In the introduction to this project we used examples from music, both audio (the songs themselves) and video (the music videos to show that the concept of similarity is not confined to Geometric figures alone. People often use the term Similar to mean things that appear to have some characteristics in common. We can gain greater understanding by comparing and contrasting such "similar" things. The goal here is to extend our understanding of similarity to areas outside of pure Mathematics.

Similarity in Our World Project Assignment:

Your assignment is to choose two objects that you feel are similar. These objects must be taken from your personal environment. For this assignment, an object can include but is not limited to such things as: ideas, events in history, music, or art. You will be asked to explain how these objects are similar and to relate your explanation of this similarity to the three ways we used to show that triangles are similar in Geometry. Whatever objects you choose, keep in mind that your project will need to meet the 5 criteria outlined below. Review these criteria before selecting your similar objects.

Your project will be evaluated and graded on the following criteria:

1. Did you explain and/or describe in detail the two objects you are using for your project? (You should use both written and pictorial representations as part of your explanation. 2. Did you explain how these objects are similar? (What if any things are exactly the same, what things are alike?) 3. Did you explain which of the three ways to show similarity (AA, SAS, SSS) you are using as the basis for your comparison? (Explain how the method you chose is used with triangles. Be both detailed and specific in your explanations.) 4. Did you explain how your objects and the objects characteristics apply to one of the three similarity methods from number 3 above? (Show a connection between what you explained for Triangles in part 3 and the objects you chose in part 1) 5. Finally, did you explain how this understanding of similarity between the two objects created a deeper understanding of the objects themselves and/or something in the world around the objects? (Explain or describe what this comparison has allowed you to understand about similar things. Be as specific and clear as possible in your explanation of what you learned by this analysis.)

The grading rubric for each of these five criteria is located on the reverse side of this sheet.

Similarity in Our World Project Scoring Rubric:

Name: _______________________________________ Date: _______________ Hour: ______

Criteria # Score

1
This criterion is not present in the project. The description is weak and lacks use of a pictorial representation The description is weak and pictorial representations are included and/or description is average but lacks a pictorial representation. Description is average and includes pictorial representation or the description is strong, but lacks pictorial representations Description is strong and includes pictorial representations.

2
This criterion is not present in the project. The explanation is weak and lacks use of specific examples or details Some ideas are presented in a clear way but some are not. Few details may be included and some details may be missing. The ideas are presented in a clear way but some extraneous details may be included. The important ideas are presented in a clear, complete, accurate way with appropriate details.

3
This criterion is not present in the project. The explanation is weak and lacks use of specific examples or details Some ideas are presented in a clear way but some are not. Few details may be included and some details may be missing. The ideas are presented in a clear way but some extraneous details may be included. The important ideas are presented in a clear, complete, accurate way with appropriate details.

4
This criterion is not present in the project. The explanation is weak and lacks use of specific examples or details Some ideas are presented in a clear way but some are not. Few details may be included and some details may be missing. The ideas are presented in a clear way but some extraneous details may be included. The important ideas are presented in a clear, complete, accurate way with appropriate details.

5
This criterion is not present in the project. The explanation is weak and lacks use of specific examples or details Some ideas are presented in a clear way but some are not. Few details may be included and some details may be missing. The ideas are presented in a clear way but some extraneous details may be included. The important ideas are presented in a clear, complete, accurate way with appropriate details.

0 1 2 3 4
Category Score:

Overall Project Grade:

___________ points out of 20 = ----------------

20