Polygons & Stars
'Create beautiful polygons and stars using online microworld and discover for yourself rules for exterior angles.’
Polygons and stars are visually appealing because of their symmetry. But what is it that lies at the heart of these images? They have a regular mathematical structure, but can you discover it? In this investigation you will use your computer to create some pretty pictures and find the rules behind the angles within the shapes.
Watch these short videos (no sound) to get a quick overview of the activity
Using Logo
Using Scratch
Resources
- Student activity using
Logo or using Scratch - Students will need this virtual manipulative
Logo or Scratch - The teacher may wish to read these teacher notes
Polygons and stars
Description
- Start with pencil, paper, ruler and protractor to produce a figure.
- Use computer with internet access to construct figures.
- Can you produce a regular polygon?
- Can you produce a regular star?
- When does it not work?
- How is the command linked to the number of sides of the polygon or star?
- Write up your findings in a report including diagrams and formulae used.