Sangaku Geometry Project

This is a complete lesson plan for a Sangaku project that include a Power Point Presentation to introduce the topic and start some class activities, a problem set with answer key, and a rubric. This project that can be used on its own as an introduction to these eye catching, challenging problems. It can be also a part of a Global Mathematics or a History of Mathematics unit or course, or as a self-standing study.

Sangaku problems, often written "san gaku," are geometric problems of the type found on devotional mathematical wooden tablets ("sangaku") which were hung under the roofs of shrines or temples in Japan during two centuries of schism from the West. These are usually challenging geometry problems that also present as stunningly beautiful. A new way to challenge your students while showing off the aesthetic appeal of geometry.