Geometric Shapes

Designed by: Tammy Hester       School: Gibbes Middle

Grade: 7             Subject: Mathematics

Core Curriculum Objectives:  Identify polygons, and types of triangles and quadrilaterals.  (7GE1-1)

South Carolina Curriculum Standards: IV. Geometry and Spatial Sense A. 2 and 3

Overview: Students will be able to identify polygons by the number of sides and know the prefixes. Students will classify triangles by their sides and angles. Students will identify the different types of quadrilaterals.

Focus Question: Show students a picture such as a skyline of a city. Ask students to identify any shapes they know.

Time Frame: Two 50-minute periods

Resources:

Picture for the focus question

Poster boards

Geoboards and rubber bands

Old magazines and newspapers

 Pattern blocks

Note cards

Pictures of shapes that are and are not polygons

Website: www.aplusmath.com/

Math dictionary

Assessment: Students will create a Polygon Poster identifying and classifying the different polygons. (See Rubric.)

Day One

Activity One

The teacher will show pictures of shapes that are and are not polygons. Have students determine which are polygons and why. Ask students to write the characteristics of polygons in the journal section of their notebooks. Have students compare their findings with a partner and then determine a definition for the term polygon. Check and establish the definition of a polygon as a class. Ask someone to check a math dictionary or glossary and compare the definition made up by the class and the one given in the math dictionary or glossary. This activity does not have to be graded, but the teacher should monitor and check notebooks to make sure each student does have a correct definition of a polygon.

Activity Two

The teacher will introduce types of polygons by showing pictures. Stress the prefix of the polygons.

Students will put the vocabulary in their notebooks.

Activity Three

Students will work with a partner using pattern blocks and geoboards to make as many types of polygons as possible. The teacher should monitor this activity. The teacher should ask questions about the polygons as she walks around the room.

Day Two

Activity One

The teacher will do a quick review of the vocabulary with the students. For example, the teacher may say pentagon, and the students should hold up 5 fingers.

Activity Two

The teacher will show pictures of different triangles, and ask students to describe the triangles according to the lengths of their sides. Then, the teacher should lead a discussion about what kinds of angles are in each triangle. Students should be able to determine that the length of the sides and the types of angles represented classify triangles. Students should be familiar with right, acute, and straight angles. Introduce the terms scalene, isosceles, and equilateral.

Activity Three

Have a student give the definition of quadrilateral. Call on students to come to the board and draw a 4 sided figure. Classify the types of quadrilateral drawn. Make sure each of the following is drawn: parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, square, and trapezoid.

Construct each of the above on a geoboard with a partner. Discuss how each quadrilateral is similar and different. Define each in the vocabulary section of the student notebook.

Have students work with a partner and pass out 5 notecards to each pair of students. Have students formulate questions such as " I am a 4 sided polygon, all of my sides are equal, and I have 4 right angles. What figure am I?" Put the question on one side of the notecard and put the answer on the other. Collect student's notecards and read to the class. Have the students answer each other's questions. This reinforces the vocabulary.

Students can alternate working on Activity Four and Activity Five depending on the number of computers available. Students may also complete or work on Activity Five at home.

Activity Four

****Note**** Students should also have prior knowledge of types of lines.

Students should do at least 20 exercises at the following website and show the teacher their score when finished. Students may need to work in pairs or small groups depending on the availability of computers.

This is a practice exercise. The teacher should monitor as students work and provide any feedback or answer any questions that may arise.

Go to website www.aplusmath.com/

Click on Flashcards

Click on Geometric shapes

Activity Five

Assessment: Polygon Poster

Students should create a poster representing all of the polygon, types of triangles and quadrilaterals. Students may cut shapes from magazines, newspapers, etc. Students may draw or create any shape they cannot find. A rubric for the poster follows.

This activity can be worked on in class and at home.

Rubric for Poster provided.

Students should display and present their posters at the next PTO to their parents.

Grade Scale:

86-96 points = A

75-85 points = B

65-74 = C

50-64 points = D

0 - 49 = F