KATE

Geometry in the Real World

Core Connections

Geometry is often the most feared math class of every high school student. It is a class in which most students are not able to see its applications for their everyday lives. However, there are many fun and exciting ways to discover geometry in every aspect of the "real world".

The most basic of all geometric concepts, shapes, can be seen from the time you open your eyes and look at a circular clock until we brush our teeth at night in front of a rectangular mirror. More complex three-dimensional shapes can be found even before we leave the house in the morning in a cylinder shaped coffee can and cube shaped tissue box.

Geometric principles are also the foundation for many careers. Architects use geometry as one of their guiding principles. Every time a building is constructed or a room is designed, geometry is used. Engineers also use geometry on a daily basis. It takes geometry to design every machine, bridge, and city. Geometry is in everything we see! The following article explains in depth reasons why teaching geometry is important in your curriculum.

Related Links

• Geometry - These pages teach geometry facts covered in K-8 math courses.
• Geometry - Help page for geometry terms and information.
• The Geometry Junkyard - This website contains information about discrete and computational geometry.
• The Math Forum - This website allows you to search for any mathematics topic. It provides information to teachers, students, and parents.

Related Lesson Plans, Activities, and Classroom Resources

• What in the World is a Shape?
• Geometry House!
• Do You Measure Up?
• Geometry On line
• What is Geometry