Unearth the History of Geometry

Contributor: Nicole Young. Lesson ID: 13429

You have solved many math problems over the years, including geometry problems. Have you ever wondered how it all started? Let's unearth this together.

categories

Math, World

subject
Math
learning style
Kinesthetic, Visual
personality style
Lion, Beaver
Grade Level
Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
Lesson Type
Quick Query

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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  • Do you think of geometry as some boring, dry subject you are forced to learn in school, or is it a world full of amazing ideas and discoveries?
  • Have you considered all the ways you see or use geometry every day?

Everywhere you look, geometry is all around you!

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  • Geometry is definitely all around you, but how much do you know about its history?
  • Who discovered all the wonderful definitions, postulates, theorems, and proofs?

Geometry can be traced all the way back to ancient times. How cool is that!

ancient world map

The word geometry is derived from the Greek word geometron, which means earth measurement. During ancient times, the focus of geometry was primarily on land surveying and construction.

old compass and telescope

The most famous construction projects of that time included the pyramids of Ancient Egypt.

pyramids of Egypt

Take a short ride through history to explore the discoveries of the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians and the Father of Geometry as well as the contributions of ancient Greeks as you watch 1 0 History of Geometry Timeline from Azucena Overman:

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Next, explore what geometry is and how its amazing discoveries are applied with What is Geometry in Mathematics | Geometry Introduction | GRADE 5 & 8 | Mathematics Concepts from SimplyInfo:

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Wow, you have discovered some really amazing people and ideas during your quick dive into the history of geometry!

Throughout time and amid the amazing discoveries, mathematicians have divided geometry into the following six branches:

branches of geometry

You have learned a lot about the history of geometry. Keep it going in the Got It? section!

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