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How to Make a Simple Math Compass for Kids

A compass is a geometric tool that is used to draw a perfect circle of a given radius. It normally consists of a two-legged device with a pin on one leg and a pencil on the other. The pin fixes one leg at a certain point, allowing free rotation of the second leg to draw the circle. A simple child's compass can be made using every items found around the house such as string and a pencil.

Things You'll Need

String
Scissors
Tack
Pencil
Paper
Chipboard

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the desired radius of the circle. Add 4 inches. Cut the string to that length with scissors. Loop one end of the string around the pencil and tie a firm knot.
- 2
  Pick up the free side of the string and tie a firm knot around the needle of the tack. Place the chipboard onto a table, and place the paper on top. Push the tack through the paper and into the chipboard.
- 3
  Pick up the pencil and pull it away from the tack so that the string is at full tension. Put the point of the pencil onto the paper and drag it around the tack, maintaining the tension in the string. The result is a circle with a radius equal to the length of the string.

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