Geometry-Constructions How important are they?

[Kendall]

We are tight on time and I'm wondering how important really are the constructions in Geometry. A year ago he did some from a lesson or two out of another book.

Convince me that we must do this chapter, or that we could live without it as long as we do X or Y construction or skip it all.

Thanks,
Kendall

[Chris in VA]

I don't know why people do them--what the "formal" reason is, but I will say that I think they cement the definitions of the different lines and such in the brain. One can see how a bisected line segment is split into two equal parts--I just think it makes remembering what's actually happening a lot easier.

[Jane in NC]

Personally, I think constructions are a great deal of fun, so my son's geometry course was heavy on them. Our constructions used a compass and a straightedge--essentially replicating what the Greeks did. Constructions solidify concepts, but also give a fun break from the rigors of proof.

What text are you using?

[Kendall]

Thanks for the replies. We are using Basic Geometry by Birkhoff. I found a list online of basic constructions. • duplication of a segment
• Duplication of an angle
• Perpendicular bisector
• Perpendicular from a point to a line
• Angle bisector
• Parallel lines


I plan to do them with my 2nd child, but my first one really needs to move on. He is a victim of former geometry teacher mom searching for the perfect text, wasting time trying some things, having him go on to Alg 2 (Foerster) then having him work through Birkhoff thinking we could go quickly. It isn't an easy text and we aren't flying through it. He is a jr. so I really want to get him on to the rest of Alg II(3 ch left) and then Trig.

[Jann in TX]

These constructions are EASY to learn--only a minute or two each.

They are a PRACTICAL use/application of Geometry that is actually USED in the real world--they also help with costume making and school projects (this is from experience!) woodworking....

Sure--you can probably skip most of the chapter--but at least go over the constructions.

[Kendall]

Jann,

Thanks for the input. The list of 6 that I posted is the list of the ones that I thought I would do instead of going through the whole chapter on constructions. Do you think those six would be enough?