National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Ask Dr. Math: Constructing an Ellipse
Dr. Math, in a reply to a student question, mentions how you can construct an ellipse using string and thumbtacks.
Boston University
Bu: How Does a Satellite Stay in Orbit
This site contains a lesson on the ellipse. The lesson has students draw an ellipse with pencil and string, and discussions on orbits and theoretical orbiting situations.
Curated OER
Image of Ellipse Applet
Drawing a perfect ellipse with pins and string is demonstrated with a java simulation.
Curated OER
Drawing of Ellipse
Investigation and discussion of the way "Pin and string construction," works in producing an ellipse. Works through the corresponding equations in a well-ordered way.
Math Open Reference
Math Open Reference: Constructions
Learn about drawing shapes using only a compass and straight edge or ruler with out measuring any lengths or angles.
Ministry of Education and Universities of the Region of Murcia (Spain)
Ministerio De Educacion Y Ciencia: Las Conicas
In Spanish. Learn how to distinguish and draw each of the conic sections with these activities.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign: Chickscope Egg Math: The Shape of an Egg
Drawing a perfect ellipse with pins and string is demonstrated with a java simulation.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Shapes 3 D
[Free Registration/Login Required] Flipchart identifies and draws circles, squares, triangles, ovals (ellipses), and rectangles. Flipchart identifies spheres, cubes, cylinders, and cones of various sizes, in various orientations and...