YOUTH INITIATIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Waldorf Initiative in Viroqua, Wisconsin, USA
COURSES AND CLASSES
Geometry
Spring 2007
Teacher: Vicki Ramsay
Geometry is the mathematics of shape and space, also known as the science of forms. These forms go beyond being merely lines on a page. They are not necessarily static and abstract. The study of geometry offers us a window into understanding representative forms and patterns that are found consistently in nature and throughout the universe. The study of geometry is the fundamental work of great visionaries. The knowledge gained by studying geometry builds a foundation for deeper studies into math and science. How these forms move through space and time becomes the work of calculus and physics.
We will base the structure of this course on a book entitled, Geometry for the Waldorf High School by Herb Swanson. Our studies, however, will also be augmented by exercises from a variety of sources including interactive mathematics websites and textbooks by Ray Jurgensen, et al. (1983) and Harold R. Jacobs, (2003). Because Geometry is a fundamental part of college preparatory exams, we will also delve into contemporary, standards-based work as it fits within the structure of the Waldorf course. The course will be organized in the following way:
Unit 1
Introduction
The Circle
Angles
Triangles
Theorems
Unit 2
The Theorem of Pythagoras
Triangles
Quadrilaterals
Harmonic Sets
Unit 3
Spirals and Curves
The Pentagon
The Golden Section
Unit 4
Descriptive Geometry
Perspective Geometry
Unit 5
Conic Sections