Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

What Is a Geometry Set?

With the beginning of a new school year just around the corner, the eyes of many students (and parents) might focus on the basic assortment of drafting tools that make up a geometry set. At the very least, this simple collection of protractor, compass, measuring device(s) and triangles will help the young student through this year's geometry class. In a few cases the study aids could lead to an interest in more sophisticated drafting skills and advanced mathematics.

Features
- A geometry set gives the user the ability to draw and read angles, scribe circles of various sizes and also to measure the length of lines and size of rectangles and squares. Without much variation, the starter kit should contain a D-shaped protractor, adjustable compass (with pencil), ruler, 45-degree triangle and 60-degree triangle. Except for the compass, most items are made from plastic. The compass is made from metal and the set often includes a pencil and sharpener.
Protractor
- A protractor is a D-shaped plastic study aid that measures angles from 0 to 180 degrees, which are marked along the outside curved edge. The straight-edge portion provides a short scale, which is usually displayed in inches or centimeters. Halfway across the bottom is a central zero point, instrumental for accurately calculating a particular angle. Protractors vary widely in size, but are usually made from a clear or translucent material.
Compass
- The drafting compass is the only adjustable tool of the kit. It also has a very sharp pointed end on one portion of the compass. The other section contains a pencil and the distance between the metal point and the pencil will equal the radius of a fully inscribed circle. Sometimes a compass has a numerical scale added to the tool, but this addition is not always accurate or necessary.
Triangles
- Two triangles usually come with a geometry set. Each triangle has one right angle with differing angles at the other two points. For the 45-degree triangle both these angles equal 45 degrees, while the 60-degree triangle has a 60- and 30-degree angle. These tools are nonadjustable and usually made from plastic.
Measuring Tools and Miscellaneous Items
- In a geometry set, the ruler comes in different lengths with most of these measuring devices decidedly shorter than a foot. Clear or smoky plastic is the material of choice and many of these tools have comparative English and metric scales. Even if not included with the kit, the student will need a good quality pencil, eraser and hand-operated sharpener. On occasion, more advanced kits may contain a French curve or T-square.

Science