Islamic Geometry: constructing a 4-fold pattern

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.