How to Measure and Draw Angles with a Protractor

Sheena Doria

This instructional video provides a comprehensive guide on understanding, measuring, and drawing angles using a protractor. It begins by defining key geometric terms such as 'vertex' and 'rays' before introducing the protractor as a tool. The video carefully explains the dual-scale feature of protractors (inner vs. outer scales), a common point of confusion for students, and demonstrates how to read them correctly based on the angle's orientation. The content moves from theory to practice by demonstrating how to measure angles found in real-world objects like a pizza slice, a folding fan, and a table corner. Following measurement, the video transitions into a step-by-step tutorial on drawing specific angles (acute, obtuse, and right) using a ruler and protractor. Each step is visualized clearly with digital overlays, making the procedural knowledge easy to follow. This resource is highly valuable for upper elementary and middle school mathematics classrooms introducing geometry concepts. It directly addresses the practical skills required by Common Core standards regarding angle measurement and construction. Teachers can use this video to front-load instruction before a hands-on activity, using it to model the precise motor skills and alignment techniques needed for accurate measurement.