Through this project, I learned about compass and straightedge construction techniques. I remember learning the basics when I was young but had no chance to learn more about it later. Straightedge and compass construction, also known as ruler-and-compass construction or classical construction, is the construction of lengths, angles, and other geometric figures using only an idealized ruler and compass. The idealized ruler is assumed to be infinite in length, having only one edge, and no markings on it. The compass is assumed to have no maximum or minimum radius and is assumed to "collapse" when lifted from the page and therefore may not be directly used to transfer distances. The ancient Greeks used this method to construct a perpendicular bisector for a line segment, and polygons like 3-gon, 5-gon, and 17-gon. The proofs for this method are also interesting and fascinating to learn and understand.
While such techniques may seem to be obsolete and useless with our modern toolkits, I believe it is still very useful for students to learn. This method can be used to create varied and beautiful figures and drawings like the pictures below and can be taught to very young children easily. This approach can help them become interested in arts and geometry. The methods and proofs of the compass and straightedge techniques are also excellent for introducing logical thinking and proofs, 2D geometric shapes and visualization, angles, and many other geometric and mathematic topics to students. It can help enrich students' minds with logical and spatial thinking that can help them in many different areas.
Some sample artworks created by individuals using compass and straightedge method:
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