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Performance Task

Stonehenge

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The Geometry of Stonehenge

The Geometry of Stonehenge

Use the Internet or another resource to research and describe each component of Stonehenge labeled in the diagram.

The four station stones approximately form a rectangle with the given dimensions (in megalithic yards). Use these dimensions to approximate the diameter of the Aubrey ring. Then find the measure of each arc subtended by the adjacent Station Stones. Show that you can use the shorter sides of the Station Stone rectangle to inscribe a regular polygon in the Aubrey ring. Then use the Internet or another resource to research the possible significance of this polygon.


Labeled diagram of Stonehenge showing Aubrey Ring encircling a 96 MY by 40 MY rectangular area divided by the Site Axis in line with the Heel Stone.

Did You Know?

  • No one knows definitively how Stonehenge was built. However, a legend from the 12th century claims that giants built the monument on a mountain in Ireland before a wizard named Merlin magically moved it to England.
  • Archaeologists believe it took over 1000 years to build Stonehenge.
  • The larger stones weight about 22 tons, or 44,000 pounds.
  • About 20,000 people gather at Stonehenge each year to celebrate the summer solstice.

Find Out More – Search Topics

  • Stonehenge facts
  • Building Stonehenge