Estimating Angles

Why play this game?

This game provides an engaging way to estimate angles. Instant feedback enables learners to improve their estimation skills.

Possible approach

Ask students what they know about angles around a point. Draw out names of angles (acute, obtuse, reflex, right-angled) and landmark angles (90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees).

Draw acute, obtuse and reflex angles on the board and ask students to estimate their size. Encourage justification for estimates.

Draw another five angles on the board and challenge the class tomake better estimates than you can. One person from the class estimates an angle, followed by you. Measure the angle with a protractor. The closest estimate gains a point. Repeat for the other four angles.

Demonstrate the interactivity with "One Player" at Level 2 before setting the group off to work in pairs. The challenge is to score more than 50 points in 10 goes. Keep a record of the highest score on the board. How close to 100 points can any pair get? This could be a long-term challenge.

Pairs move on to Level 3 when appropriate.

Towards the end of the lesson the highest scoring pair can challenge you to a game.

Key questions

What angles are easy to draw?
What strategies can you use to improve your estimates?

Possible extension

Pairs play the "Two Player" version of the game.

Possible support

Start on Level 1. Allow students to look at a protractor.