Gothic architecture ranges from the 12th to 14th centuries. It was built to allow the most light possible into the cathederal. They also wanted the cathederal to be as beautiful as possible, so that people would come and worship. Below is a picture of Reims Cathederal. Lets take a look at it and see how the Golden Mean is used...

Ready:
Do you remember the theory that the Greeks had about the Golden Section? Review for a moment and refresh your memory.

Hint: why were the columns spaces the way that they were?

Set:
Look at the image of Reims Cathedral. Do the numbers look familiar? What are they? Why did the architect use them? Do a Google search to find out. Try "gothic" and " golden mean" as keyworkds to start. Then think up your own key words to search.

Go:
Okay,grab your partner you two are now Gothic Architects. Your commission is to design an ideal home. you will use the tricks you have learned from the Greeks, the Egyptians and other Gothic architects.

Here are the rules:

1) the house must have at least two floors,
2) must have at least one entry way on the front of the house,
3) must have at least four windows on the front of the house,
4) you must use the Golden Mean and the Golden Section in your design,
5) remember, these are only minimum requirements

Now get to work! Here are some links for help:
http://www.sckans.edu/~math/Paper3.html
http://ccins.camosun.bc.ca/~jbritton/goldslide/jbgoldslide.htm

Next step: The Golden Mean in the human body...