Applications in Math an d Physics Honors

Course Description

Applications in Math and Physics Honors will cover the connection between mathematics, physics, and
architecture. We will primarily be using the City of Chicago and its rich architectural history to make these
connections between math, science, and architecture. Students will also explore math and architecture
through hands-on activities, various case studies and readings, and several field trips to Chicago and its
surrounding areas.

Outcomes

• Students will be familiar with the basic elements of constructions and how structures work.
• Students will be able to use proportions and ratios to create architectural drawings
• Students will be able to use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the height of a building.
• Students will use the golden ratio to find important architectural relationships.
• Students will discuss effective planning of rooms, homes, neighborhoods, and cities.
• Students will discover the architecture of Chicago and make connections to their own respective
homes and neighborhoods.
• Students will develop effective written and oral communication skills, especially the ability to
transmit complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.

Resources and Materials

Text: Pridmore, J., Larson, G., Blessing, H. Chicago Architecture and Design Revised ed. Chicago: Harry N.
Abrams, 2005.

Supplemental Readings: Selections from the following:
Kahim, B. Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago. Chicago: University of Chicago Press , 2001.
Levys, M., Panchyk, R. Engineering the City. Chicago: Chicago Review Press , In., 2000.
O'Gorman, J. ABC of Architecture. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press , 1998.
Salvadori, M. The Art of Construction. Chicago: Chicago Review Press, Inc., 1990.

Materials: Students should come to class with pen/pencil, paper, ruler, compass, 3-ring binder, and
textbook.

Student Evaluation and Grading Policies for Credit Courses Only

Student grades will be calculated using the following criteria:

Tests and Quizzes: Students will have two assessments that will cover architectural vocabulary, math
concepts, and the history of math and science in architecture.

Participation: Each student will be graded on their participation in discussions related to the readings,
activities, field trips, and presentations.

Portfolio: Students will create and maintain a portfolio that will contain the results of all activities, journal
writings, field notes, and other projects undertaken in class.

Instructor Biography
David Chan currently teaches Chemistry at Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Illinois. He
taught Chemistry, Physics, Algebra , and Geometry for five years at Roycemore School, also in Evanston,
Illinois. Mr. Chan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry from Northwestern University and a
Master of Arts in Teaching from National-Louis University. When he is not in the Chemistry lab, Mr. Chan
can be found on the basketball court as an assistant coach for the ETHS Girls' Varsity team, behind his
computer as an instructor with CTD's Learning Links program, or on the couch watching his beloved Cubs
struggle through yet another losing season. This is Mr. Chan's fourth summer teaching with CTD, and he is
looking forward to exploring the city of Chicago and its surrounding area where he has lived for his entire
life.

Schedule

Session I: Sunday, June 24, 2007 - Friday, July 13, 2007