Constructions

Precision and accuracy

Synopsis

This lesson, teaches students the military's historical and current use of constructions and mathematical accuracy in warfare and peacetime defence. Drawing on construction skills, students gain an appreciation of comparative weaponry through the ages.

Tasks in this lesson involve fictional case-histories. All exercises are designed with a view to building an understanding of the mathematical constructions required in targeting and the planning process that must be undertaken by military personnel. Questions are progressive. Though much of this planning today is performed by computers, students gain an appreciation of the theorems on which their software is based.

There are opportunities for debate on the importance of effective military power (and the need or otherwise to invest in new systems) to the UK MOD and other United Nations or NATO members. Also the importance of co-operation in this context with other nations abound. Students can consider the need for accuracy in planning and the significance of error. Extension activities lend themselves to further studies on the history of mathematics in warfare / navigation generally and practical build activities.

MOD Topic

Precision and accuracy

Curriculum Checklist

2a;
2b;
4d.

Curriculum Links

• Geography
• History
• Citizenship
• PSHE

Prior Knowledge

The ability to draw accurate constructions (line bisector, perpendicular bisector, angle bisector).
Triangle constructions using a ruler and protractor.
The ability to recognise (visually) acute, obtuse, reflex and right angles.
The ability to estimate the size of an angle.
Multi-stage problem solving.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Be able to accurately draw basic constructions with assistance.
• Be able to visually recognise acute, obtuse and right-angles.
• Be able to use some vocabulary appropriately when prompted.
• Be able to solve simple problems unaided. Be able to follow two-stage problem solving when demonstrated.

Average ability students will:

• Be able to accurately draw complex constructions with some assistance.
• Be familiar with the properties of angles and able to visually recognise most angles.
• Be confident using a wide range of relevant vocabulary.
• Become proficient at two-stage problem solving and in recognising contextual application of constructions.

Higher ability students will:

• Be able to accurately draw complex constructions.
• Be informed about the properties of angles and able to visually recognise acute, obtuse, reflex and right angles.
• Be confident using a wide range of relevant vocabulary.
• Become skilled at multi-stage complex problem solving.

Lesson code

M9