Mathematics for a new Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world and most visitors cannot wait to get an iconic photo of the beautiful building. Look closely and you’ll see a great example of line symmetry: one vertical line down the middle, and one along the waterline. In this task, students question how the Taj Mahal was constructed and use their knowledge of symmetry, lines, angles, geometrical shapes, and diagrams to make their own designs like the Taj Mahal.

• Apply mathematics to everyday life 

• Calculate area, length, and other geometrical properties

• Use parallel and perpendicular lines to reflect symmetry

"This unit has a creativity and critical thinking focus:

• Generate and play with a range of strategies and unusual ideas to envision how to solve a real-life maths problem 

• Consider different perspectives and reflect on the strengths and limitations of proposed solutions"

Web and Print

• Blueprints, history, and picture of the Taj Mahal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal 

Other

• Projector, poster board, markers/pencils, lined/graph paper, scale, measuring tape

Opportunities to Adapt Extend and Enrich

•  A more extended consideration of the Golden Ratio could be incorporated into this activity. See, for example, https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/golden-ratio.html 

•  Links could be made to history, geography, visual arts, physical science, and intercultural understanding.

English Version

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/17r3DzDaMhZIBjDh38vegBz6aD4QAazFK/view?usp=sharing

Hindi Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uvAfgV7qnscpxovyU_YUVvgXLUSULSgvp6pvtrjsLks/edit?usp=sharing 

Gujarati Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yWJJZOhXYJCGJ4BzJoQeESH4z2XgLLLf5Js-i2kmXjs/edit?usp=sharing 

Kannada Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H92qlhOvCk-uiJr-xND_wXuSX7LRQs72Br8X3CPMoC8/edit?usp=drive_link