Making Maths: Draw a Golden Spiral

General | Printable page |
Stage: 2 and 3 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

The Golden Spiral is based on a pattern of squares and can be drawn within a Golden Rectangle.

You will need:

  • A4 squared or grid paper
  • Pencil
  • Ruler

What to do:


1. Begin by drawing a square with sides the same length as the width of the paper.

2. Draw an arc from one corner of the square up or down until it meets the joining or adjacent side:


3. Next draw another square joining the first. Draw an arc across this square too.


4. Repeat the process to form the next square ... and so on.


What sizes are each of the squares that join onto each other?

How do these growing squares connect with Leonardo Fibonacci?

5. By drawing connecting arcs inside the sequence of squares, you can construct the special curve known as the Golden Spiral:



This activity features in our December 2008 Advent Calendar.


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