Cathedral Math

Mrs. Novak was a history major in college. I was always fascinated with the Middle Ages. I have always been in wonder of the great cathedrals that were built in Europe during the Middle Ages. WHY did people build these buildings? WHAT were the people like that built these building? I have always wondered HOW people could have built these incredible big buildings without computers and all the technology that we have today. You can take a look at some of the cathedrals I have visited before by clicking here. To help you understand more about the people that built the cathedrals, we are going to 'talk' to a cathedral builder that Mrs.Novak has made up. Pierre will help us down the road of discovery. Perhaps, we can also help him build his cathedral. Click here to read about 'Pierre.

Hopefully, reading Pierre's story has started you think about what it takes to make a cathedral. The cathedrals that Mrs. Novak will be visiting in Europe are called Gothic cathedrals because of their style and manner of construction. Click on the links below and use the Learning Log#1 to help organize your learning about cathedrals.
'Must Know' Parts of a Cathedral	Unique Parts of a Gothic Cathedral	Introduction to Gothic Cathedrals

Geometry is found in all parts of a cathedral. Take a look at New York Carver's website. It will show you four examples of geometric designs that you can DO using only a pencil, paper, ruler and a compass. I think that you are ALMOST ready to help Pierre design his cathedral. Take a careful look at some of the plans of other Gothic Cathedrals.
New York Carver Geometry	The Plans of Saint-Urbain	Plans of Chartres
Plans of Several Cathedrals		More Plans of Gothic Cathedrals

NOW, I think you are ready to try to help Pierre and draw a cathedral on your own. Click on Cathedral Activity to see your requirements and grading rubric.