ICT resources for maths teachers

5. Drawing tools

As a mathematics educator you will inevitably have to create geometry worksheets, tests and exam papers. You will want to draw various geometric shapes and add labels and lines. Microsoft Word's drawing tools will be a useful tool for you to use at times like this.

Follow these steps to complete this activity. While practicing with the drawing tools, look for contexts that are meaningful to you in your classroom and create documents that you can adapt and use at a later stage. We will make suggestions about what documents to create, but if you prefer, you may create documents to suit your own needs.

Set up your word processor so that the Drawing toolbar is visible either at the bottom or top of the screen. You should be able to click on the icon in order to start the Toolbar if it is not already visible. (5 - 10 min)

How to set up the drawing toolbar

Work on your own but be willing to assist or consult your neighbour. (90 min)

• Prepare a range of drawings that you wish to use in future worksheets or tests. Create one drawing per document and save the file using a filename that describes the drawing. In this way you will be able to reuse a range of drawings in various documents.

How to insert shapes

How to align objects

How to add borders

Meet in groups or as a class during the last 15-20 minutes of the workshop.

• Showcase your work by displaying and sharing your worksheets and /or tests

Work on your own (between workshops)

• Plan some additional worksheets using drawings and think about how you would construct them using the drawing tool. Next time you have the opportunity, create these worksheets using Microsoft Word's drawing tools.

You have the option of using the South African National Portal (Thutong) to enhance this workshop activity.