Unit 2 WebQuest Project

It's a Masterpiece!

Introduction | Task | Process | Guidance | Resources | Conclusion

Introduction
Grab some canvas, some paint, and some paintbrushes. You're about to create a masterpiece! On this adventure, you'll learn about the art of painting the human face. Along the way, you'll research the methods of a master painter and learn about how artists use the Golden Ratio to achieve balance in their works. Don't forget to bring your math tool kit and a steady hand. This is an adventure you'll want to frame!

Art Challenge 1
First, research the famous mathematical artist M.C. Escher.

Art Challenge 2
Next, use your knowledge on proportions to make a drawing of a classmate's face.

Art Challenge 3
Finally, research and write a report on the Golden Ratio and the Golden Rectangle.

Art Challenge 1
Use the Internet to research the life and three different works of M.C. Escher. Then write a 1-2 page report that discusses how M.C. Escher used mathematics in his works. Also, describe what fascinated you about M.C. Escher’s works and why. Cite at least two different Web sites in your report.

Art Challenge 2
Next, make a drawing of a classmate's face. Create this scale drawing of his or her face on a sheet of grid paper by following these directions.

• First, measure the height and width of your classmate's face.
• Then, measure the distance from your classmate's hairline to the top of their eyes.
• Finally, measure the height and width of your classmate's eyes, cheeks, nose, lips, ears, and chin.
• Once you have made all of your measurements, set up proportions to create a scale drawing of their face.
  For instance, one proportion will be height of drawing eyesheight of real eyes = scale factor. So, if 1 inch = 3 inches in your drawing and your classmate's real eyes were 2 inches tall, then you would write x 2 = 13 and solve for x to find the height of their eye on your drawing. Be sure to include a scale with your drawing as well as a sheet that shows all of your measurements and calculations.

Art Challenge 3
Finally, use the Internet to research the Golden Ratio and Golden Rectangle. Then write a 1-2 page report that includes the following information:

• an explanation of the Golden Ratio and Golden Rectangle in mathematical terms;
• how the Golden Ratio is used in art and how it has effected art, especially during the Renaissance period;
• a descriptive list of different examples of the Golden Ratio in art and mathematics; and
• pictures of art that makes use of the Golden Ratio and Golden Rectangle, as well as an analysis of each piece of art included.
  

Art Challenge 1

1. It will be helpful to find a picture of each of the pieces of art you will be discussing in your report and include a printout of the art in your report. Also, be certain to include the names of each piece of art.
   
   
2. When writing your report, remember to discuss who Escher was and what he did. Describe his art style and explain what to you is so intriguing about him.

Art Challenge 2

1. To review solving proportions, refer to Lesson 4-4 in your text.
   
   
2. To review scale drawings, refer to Lesson 4-6 in your text.
   
   
3. Remember, your proportions are going to give you the specific length or width of a facial feature. They will not tell you exactly where someone’s nose curves down! You have to use a little bit of your artistic skills in this Challenge.

Art Challenge 3

1. When writing your report, be certain to include an introduction and a conclusion. Moreover, be sure to properly cite any information you take from the Internet.
   
   
2. Including examples of different pieces of art that use the Golden Ratio is strongly recommended. What’s more, it would be beneficial if you analyzed each piece of art you used as an example, explaining where in the art the Golden Ratio or Golden Rectangle are found.
   
   
3. Be certain that the Web sites you are using are credible. Be sure to thoroughly analyze a Web site before citing it. Looking at the last date of publication, its sponsor, and the different language used throughout the Web site are a few items to analyze before using a Web site.
   

Resources
Listed below, you can find some helpful Web site. You are not, however, limited to these Web sites.
Ask Jeeves
Google
Yahoo
Yahooligans
Totally Tessellated

Conclusion
Voila! You have finished your journey through a world full of mathematical art! Isn't it amazing how math can be found in every dimension of life? Ratios, proportions, percents and more are all an intricate part of art and mathematics. Through your hard work, you have experienced art through the perspective of a mathematician! Congratulations on completing these challenging tasks!