Understanding constructing a circle
I can recognise a circle as a collection of points equidistant from a fixed point.
Understanding constructing a circle
I can recognise a circle as a collection of points equidistant from a fixed point.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A pair of compasses can be used to draw circle with a particular radius.
- All the points on the circle will be the same distance from the centre.
- The centre of a circle is the point that is the same distance from every point on the circle.
- The collection of points an equal distance from a given point form a circle.
Keywords
Fixed point - A fixed point is a point that does not change or move.
Circumference - The circumference of a circle is the perimeter of the circle.
Arc - An arc is part of a curve. An arc of a circle is part of the circle’s circumference.
Equidistant - Points A and B are equidistant from a third point C if the distance AC is equal to the distance BC.
Common misconception
During tasks, pupils may use a ruler to draw or check whether points are equidistant from a centre.
While the tasks could be completed with a ruler, it may be quicker, easier and more accurate to use a pair of compasses.
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Understanding constructing a circle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Understanding constructing a circle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Constructions unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions









Exit quiz
6 Questions






