Geometric Math Art with Circles

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Combining math with art can be so much fun—and today’s project is a perfect example of that! In this hands-on activity, we created geometric math art with circles that turned into beautiful, flower-like patterns. It’s a simple yet stunning way to explore symmetry, radius, geometry, and pattern-making.

Whether you’re a homeschool parent, classroom teacher, or just want a creative activity that reinforces math skills, this project is a hit with all ages!

Supplies Needed:

• Graph paper (we used this Jumbo Roll of Graph Paper, but any graph paper works!)
• Compass
• Pencil & eraser
• Markers or colored pencils

We have this Jumbo Roll of Graph Paper that we have used for a few of our projects now (Area & Perimeter City, Graphing Race, Mondrian Style Fibonacci Art). You could do this on a smaller scale with regular graph paper, too.

How to Create Geometric Circle Art

1. Start with a Center Point: Choose your first center point and draw a circle using the compass. We made ours 4 graph squares wide.
2. Add More Circles: Move the compass point over 3 squares and draw another circle. Continue creating overlapping circles in a line or grid.
3. Watch Patterns Appear: The overlapping sections form four-petaled flower shapes and geometric designs.
4. Color the Patterns: Use markers to highlight repeating shapes or create rainbow effects across the grid.

This is a perfect way to practice using a compass and to visually reinforce concepts like:

• Radius and diameter
• Symmetry
• Overlapping shapes
• Pattern and repetition

The fun thing about this math art project is the patterns you create by just making circles!  You start by drawing a circle using the graph paper squares as a guide to make them all even.  I made our circles 4 squares wide. Draw the circle using the compass. Put the compass point right where you want the center of the circle to be.

Draw more circles overlapping the other one you already drew and continue drawing them until you have a large amount. I drew the next circle with the venter point three squares away from the first circle’s center point.  As you draw them, you will see the patterns emerge. The overlapping sections of the circles turn into four-petaled flowers.

Why This Is a Great Math Activity

• Reinforces geometric vocabulary in a hands-on way
• Boosts compass skills for young learners
• Encourages spatial reasoning and planning
• Combines STEAM elements (math + art)
• Works well for both individual and group projects

We loved using our jumbo roll of graph paper because the design could go on and on—and multiple kids could work together on one giant masterpiece.

My kids are all a little uncertain on how to use a compass.  This project is wonderful practice for them to get the hang of it! It is ok to make mistakes and erase. We did!

Teacher or Group Tip:

Try this as a collaborative class mural! It would be so cool to do with a big class of kids. Assign each child a starting circle, and let them build their design out across a shared sheet of graph paper. You’ll end up with a stunning hallway display and an engaged group of students.

My kids were amazed with the beautiful pattern we created by just drawing circles!  It was a lot of fun to draw and to color this math art project.

Did you know I wrote a Math Art book?! Be sure to grab your copy!

Check out more Math Art Project Ideas:
Heart Tessellations
Mondrian Style Fibonacci Art
3-D Paper Shapes
Stellated Dodecahedron
Rhombicuboctahedron
Geometric Heart 
Jumbo Geometric String Art
Rainbow Icosahedron Ball

This is part of the 28 Days of STEM and STEAM Activities for Kids series hosted by Left Brain Craft Brain. Hop over there for more amazing ideas!

Also, be are to check out the STEAM Kids Books for more STEAM and STEM ideas for kids.