This week, the big kids are working on their geometric constructions, mathematical drawings achieved with the use of only a compass and an unmarked straight edge.
This is one of my favorite units to teach. Â Mathematics in general is an incredibly beautiful discipline that explores patterns and the natural order of the universe. Â While those ideas are often abstract when you’re memorizing your times tables or learning long division, they become quite concrete in geometry.
If you have a Type A kid who is into precision, he will eat this up. Â Next week, I’m going to post some basic constructions, along with example projects my students have done. Â In the meantime, get a good quality compass — one that uses a screw to hold the legs firmly in place — and let your child simply experiment with drawing arcs and circles. Â Some kids may need practice drawing along a straight edge as well if they have not had much exposure before.
Also, you’re going to need a lot of paper…
