Toothpick Thumbnail

Toothpick Puzzle

Description

Examine geometry first-hand through this web activity by drawing geometric shapes with toothpicks.

Directions for using this applet:
Creating a toothpick: Left-click on the toothpick box to pull another toothpick out. There is no limit on the number you may use.

Selecting a toothpick: Left click on a toothpick to select it. A selected toothpick will become slightly darker and will become the top toothpick. A toothpick will remain selected until you left-click elsewhere on the board or on another toothpick. (Note: Right-clicking elsewhere on the board will not deselect a toothpick.)

Rotating a toothpick: Left-click on a toothpick to select it. Once it is selected, you may rotate it 45 degrees by pressing the right mouse button (Alt-Click on a Mac) or 'R' on the keyboard.

Moving a toothpick: Left-click on it to select it and drag it to the desired location. You may use the arrow keys to move it small distances.

<div style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #FFCCCC; border: 1px solid red; width: 500px; height: 400px;"> Your Java Plug-In is out of date. <br />You must download a later version to use this applet. <br />You may do that <a href="http://www.java.com/">here</a> </div>

Applet Source toothpick2.java,
Modified by Michael McKelvey
Original code written by Nicholas Exner.

Last updated: 11/19/01