Browsed by
Category: Geometry

Teaching Polygons Using Rubber Bands

Teaching Polygons Using Rubber Bands

Comments 0 Comment

Here’s a super easy and fun way to reinforce attributes of polygons. Using a rubber band that is not too small or thick, students create shapes using their fingers. It’s a great multi-sensory activity. Ideas: -show me a triangle -show me a triangle with one obtuse angle -show me an iscoceles triangle -show me a quadrilateral -show me a trapezoid -etc. Shapes larger than a quadrilateral (4 sides) are more difficult to make. Students can partner up to make pentagons…

Read More Read More

Multiplication of Fractions. What Does it Mean?

Multiplication of Fractions. What Does it Mean?

Comments 0 Comment

So that’s what it means to multiply fractions! Visual representations make all the difference! I acutally have students first do this using a geoboard. Then we transfer to grid paper (see above photo). After collecting a number of samples, students look for patterns and discover that multiplying across gives them the same answer. But now it makes sense! CCSS: 5.NF.4; 5.NF.5

Sum of Interior Angles of Triangles

Sum of Interior Angles of Triangles

Comments 0 Comment

This is a super easy, super fun activity where students discover the interior angle measurements of different polygons. I start with the triangle (see photo) and then have them work in groups to prove other interior angle measurements. Collaboration and communication in the math classroom is so important and this is an easy way to do it. Teams can then do a 1-2 minute presentation which helps develop their public speaking skills. CCSS: 4.MD.5; 4.MD.5; 4.MD.7

Common Core State Standards in Mathematics – Geometry

Common Core State Standards in Mathematics – Geometry

Comments 0 Comment

Why give students the definitions? Why not give them enough information so that they can create the definitions on their own? The Common Core state Standards in Mathematics along with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards emphasize allowing students to be actively involved in creating their learning. Through this, they will learn to: -reason abstractly and quantitatively -construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others -attend to precision -look for and make use of structure Besides, the…

Read More Read More

The Artistic Side of Math – Tessellations

The Artistic Side of Math – Tessellations

Comments 0 Comment

I love M.C. Escher! I have a whole book on his work and love to share it with my students when we’re studying angle measurement. That’s because we’re going to tie math and art together through modifying polygons similar to how M.C. Escher did it in some of his paintings. It’s all about tessellating shapes and angles. Using pattern blocks, I show students how shapes tessellate. See photo below. Then, I have students determine the angle measurement of each of…

Read More Read More