This is a step-by step guide to constructing some 4-fold Islamic Geometry designs from scratch. This is a challenging activity which allows pupils to practise their compass constructions and produce a unique piece of art. It starts with the construction of a perpendicular bisector of a line, and develops the construction of the 5 overlapping circles which form the framework of the design. This activity can be stopped at different points for pupils to pick out the geometric shapes, or extended to the end for an intricate design.

This worksheet shows how we can use a fixed compass and straight edge to construct a framework of seven overlapping circles which produces a perfect hexagon. From that, this step-by-step guide show learners how to sub-divide their pattern to create a 12-point star and dodecagon, leading to a complex pattern with rotational symmetry. This nice one-off task consolidates compass skills and encourages pupils to think of the properties of their shapes.

An end of term mathematical geometry activity: construct an Easter Egg using compasses and a straight edge. Then use mathematical constructions to decorate and colour. This is an Easter activity with high mathematical content, and students get to take home an attractive design.