Constructing Shapes

Constructing shapes with compasses is always great fun because you get pretty patterns. But this investigation goes well beyond regular activities with pupils being given an open-ended challenge to create as many different types of shape as possible using a pair of compasses and a straight edge.

You first learn how to construct an equilateral triangle, how to bisect a line to make a right angle and how to bisect an angle. Armed with these three simple techniques see what other shapes you can create. Square, rectangle, kite, rhombus, trapezium, parallelogram, hexagon and octagon are all possible!

Ages 9-13    Printable materials (pdf) - 1 page of teachers notes and 5 pupil copymasters.