Education Technology


Consul Monkey

Activity Overview

Consul the Educated Monkey was a mechanical toy from 1916. The toy relied on geometric properties to perform the multiplication tables. In this activity students use a virtual representation of the toy to analyse and explain how the geometry works and apply new ideas for other applications.

Objectives

  • ACMMG243 Formulate proofs involving congruent triangles and angle properties
  • ACMMG244 Apply logical reasoning, including the use of congruence and similarity, to proofs and numerical exercises involving plane shapes

Vocabulary

  • Similar Triangles
  • Congruent Triangles
  • Proof
  • Gradient
  • Linear

About the Lesson

Consul the Educated Monkey was a toy built in 1916. The toy consisted of a series of mechanical linkages, relying on geometric properties to generate multiplication tables. In this activity students use a dynamic, virtual representation of the toy to explore these geometric properties and how they were used to construct multiplication tables. Students are also invited to consider other applications of this wonderful toy. The activity involves proof by similarity and congruence, including angle properties and is scaffolded via questions and interactive content.