T HE T RIANGULAR A RT P ROJECT
Oftentimes artists will sketch out their ideas using polygons and straight lines to get the baseline of what their
masterpiece will become. They then go back and add curves to the rigid shapes in order to make the figures
come to life.
In this project we will “paint” backwards. You must take a famous painting and recreate the masterpiece by
drawing only triangles. (Think pixilated photos but the pixels are triangular.) Of course it will not look exactly like the
original, but the idea is to use the properties and concepts of congruent triangles to get as close as possible.
You will be responsible for finding a painting to replicate, but I must approve it before you begin. You will
need to include a color copy of the original artwork with your final product.
Requirements and tips for your drawing:
• Many different polygons can be made out of triangles. Use this to your advantage.
• Your drawing must be done NEATLY so a ruler, compass, and protractor will be required.
• You may use any number of triangles, but each triangle must have at least TWO other twins
somewhere in the drawing. (Remember, you are demonstrating to me that you can construct congruent triangles.)
• Color will play a large role in how you draw your triangles. Each triangle must be filled with exactly one
color so position wisely.
• Even though you will be coloring in the triangles, I must be able to see the outline of each one even if it
is slight. This means pencils and fine tipped pens will become your best friends.
• Your final drawing may NOT be done on notebook paper or computer paper. Cardstock or poster is
preferred. A rough sketch is also recommended before you begin the final product.
• Your drawing will be judged by the art teachers. The winners will get pi‐bucks and extra points
towards their project grade.
Requirements for your essay:
• Part 1 – Submit a paper that contains an accurate scaled sketch of each sized triangle used in your
drawing with all side lengths and angle measures labeled. Include how many times each sized triangle
was used in your drawing. Think of this as the key.
• Part 2 – Your essay must be written from the perspective of one of your construction items (ruler,
compass, or protractor). It must be a creative account of how your beautiful masterpiece came to be from
its beginnings as a blank canvas to a work of triangular art. Your typed essay must be a minimum of
one page with 1” margins and 12‐point font. Within your essay you must address the following items:
o Each triangle congruence theorem must play a role in some form. Describe in detail how they
were used.
o How many various methods did you use to construct the “twins” of triangles in your drawing?
o Were any parallel or perpendicular lines formed in your drawing? How?
o What were some difficulties that were encountered as you created your drawing?
• Your essay will be judged by the English teachers so make it as creative as possible. The winners will
get pi‐bucks and extra points towards their project grade.
R UBRIC
The drawing part of the project will be graded according to the following guidelines:*
0‐49
50‐74
75‐84
85‐94
95‐100
Poor;
Drawing does not
demonstrate
knowledge of
congruent triangles;
Drawing is sloppy;
Little effort is apparent
Fair;
Drawing somewhat
demonstrates
knowledge of
congruent triangles;
Improvement critically
necessary; Not very
neat
Good;
Drawing mostly
demonstrates
knowledge of
congruent triangles;
Some improvement
necessary; Drawing is
somewhat neat
Excellent;
Drawing demonstrates
knowledge of
congruent triangles
with little
improvement
necessary; Drawing is
neat
Exceptional;
Drawing completely
and wholly
demonstrates
knowledge of
congruent triangles;
Drawing is incredibly
neat and well prepared
The essay part of the project will be graded according to the following guidelines:*
0‐49
50‐74
75‐84
85‐94
95‐100
Poor;
Descriptions are
incomplete/unclear
and does not
demonstrate
understanding of
mathematical
concepts relating to
congruent triangles;
One or none of the
objectives were clearly
mastered; Numerous
grammatical and
spelling errors present;
No effort for creativity
Fair;
Description shows a
limited understanding
of mathematical
concepts relating to
congruent triangles; At
least two objectives
were mastered;
Several grammatical
and spelling errors
present; Very little
creativity present
Good;
Description shows an
acceptable but
minimal level of
understanding of
mathematical
concepts relating to
congruent triangles;
Elaboration necessary;
At least three
objectives were
mastered; Few
grammatical and
spelling errors;
Somewhat creative
Excellent;
Description shows a
solid understanding of
mathematical
concepts relating to
congruent triangles;
Very little elaboration
needed; At least four
objectives were clearly
mastered; Only a
couple grammatical
and spelling errors;
Contains creative flare
Exceptional;
Description completely
and wholly
demonstrates
understanding of
mathematical
concepts relating to
congruent triangles; All
five objectives were
clearly mastered; No
grammatical or
spelling errors; Huge
emphasis on creativity
*This is a guide to help you turn in quality work and know ahead of time what I am looking for in order to maximize your grade. I will
take into consideration which category most closely applies to each part of what you submit.
Mathematical and Cognitive Objectives
1. Demonstrate an understanding of congruency in triangles
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships of the angles and sides in congruent
triangles
3. Creatively solve problems
4. Communicate in a clear manner
5. Efficiently utilize resources in a limited time frame
If you turn in any part of your project late, then you will lose points PER DAY.
Therefore, use your class time wisely and efficiently.