Rectangles and parallelograms
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L350
A lesson plan for grades 3–5 Mathematics
Students use dynamic software to examine the properties of rectangles and parallelograms and identify what distinguishes a rectangle from a more general parallelogram. Using spatial relationships, they will examine the properties of two-and three-dimensional shapes. Illuminations provides activity sheets and a link to the applet necessary in completing the lesson. After students examine the differences between parallelograms and rectangles, they work together to categorize the characteristics of both. Then students use the interactive applet to manipulate the shapes.
Students will:
- Identify, compare, and analyze attributes of rectangles and parallelograms through physical and mental manipulation.
NCTM Standards and Expectations covered in this lesson include:
- Investigating, describing, and reasoning about the results of subdividing, combining, and transforming shapes.
- Making and testing conjectures about geometric properties and relationships and develop logical arguments to justify conclusions.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Mathematics (2004)
Grade 3
- Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will recognize and use basic geometric properties of two- and three-dimensional figures.
- Objective 3.01: Use appropriate vocabulary to compare, describe, and classify two- and three-dimensional figures.
Grade 4
- Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will recognize and use geometric properties and relationships.
- Objective 3.03: Identify, predict, and describe the results of transformations of plane figures.
- Reflections.
- Translations.
- Rotations.
- Objective 3.03: Identify, predict, and describe the results of transformations of plane figures.
Grade 5
- Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will understand and use properties and relationships of plane figures.
- Objective 3.01: Identify, define, describe, and accurately represent triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons.
