Geometry (angles): Charlotte's Web
Challenge level ⭐
(designed for children with prior knowledge of the Year 3 programme of study)
Learning Objective
We are learning how to solve a natural world problem by using and applying our skills and knowledge of geometry and angles.
Useful prior knowledge:
- To identify right angles
- To identify acute and obtuse angles as less than or greater than a right angle
Credit: BBC World Service - Crowd Science
Clip Description
Some spider species trap their prey by making a sticky web from silk. When an insect flies or crawls into the web, it quickly becomes stuck. This is when the spider will seize the opportunity to move in and eat the unfortunate insect. Although spider webs are thin, they are very strong. In fact, size for size, spider silk is stronger than steel!
In this fascinating clip, spiders can be seen making their spiral webs. Incredibly, we learn that spiderlings are able to make webs from the moment they hatch from their eggs. How is this possible? Watch the clip to find out.
Quick Challenge
Look closely at the silk threads of the spider’s web in the picture opposite. Notice how the threads make angles at the points where they connect.
Can you spot a right-angle? Can you spot an acute angle? Can you spot an obtuse angle?