Compass And Straightedge Essay

1. There is a need for studentsto understand and be able to construct geometric figures using a compass and straightedge. By Hayley McMillon
2. ~Summary~There is a need for students to understand and be able to construct geometric figures using astraightedge and compass. I chose to defend this argument, because I believe that studentsshould be able to understand and make constructions using a compass, straightedge, andpaper. Although, drawing programs are great resources, there is nothing better than a studentowning their work. Using these tools allows the student to understand and fully comprehendwhy they took the steps they did. Clicking a button and not really reflecting on what they didcould give the student a false sense of having mastered the material. In the following excerpt from Lesley Lamphier’s article “Geometric Constructions” he points out what others who have my opinion think geometric drawing programs often leave the student with: “In regards to constructions, the

A straightedge and compass were also used by the Greeks when they drafted early blueprints for the buildings they wanted to construct. This can also be seen in many jobs today that require one to know how to construct a blueprint for buildings, churches, bridges, and many other structures. These are skills that had to be done by hand even in the 1900’s, prior to computers and drawing programs. Most architects , landscape designers, and even artists use hand drawn geometric constructions when they draw up blueprints. Whether it be for a house or other structure a compass and straightedge are never fail tools. According to ehow.com : “Architects often use a compass and straightedge to aid in drafting their designs...architects can moreaccurately determine real-world proportions for their scaled drafts.” Ehow.com also stated that artists use a compass and straightedge when trying to make circles for horizons or straight lines. National Cathedral in Washington D.C. Raphael - Disputa