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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

How steep can you be?

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L665

A lesson plan for grades 6–7 Mathematics

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics


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In this lesson, students consider the construction of a tool that will measure percent slope. They then use ideas about percent slope to determine recommended defensible space distances near a home. Illuminations provides and activity sheet, a link to an interactive web tool, and detailed instructions for completing the lesson.

Students will:

  • Describe the differences between two different measures of steepness, percent slope and grade.
  • Measure the percent slope of a particular location.
  • Determine the recommended defensible space distances for their property.

NCTM Standards and Expectations:

  • Understand relationships among the angles, side lengths, perimeters, areas, and volumes of similar objects.
  • Recognize and apply geometric ideas and relationships in areas outside the mathematics classroom, such as art, science, and everyday life.
  • Use geometric models to represent and explain numerical and algebraic relationships.
  • Understand, select, and use units of appropriate size and type to measure angles, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.
  • Select and apply techniques and tools to accurately find length, area, volume, and angle measures to appropriate levels of precision.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 6

  • Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will select and use appropriate tools to measure two- and three-dimensional figures.
    • Objective 2.01: Estimate and measure length, perimeter, area, angles, weight, and mass of two- and three-dimensional figures, using appropriate tools.
    • Objective 2.02: Solve problems involving perimeter/circumference and area of plane figures.

Grade 7

  • Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will understand and use measurement involving two- and three-dimensional figures.
    • Objective 2.01: Draw objects to scale and use scale drawings to solve problems.
    • Objective 2.02: Solve problems involving volume and surface area of cylinders, prisms, and composite shapes.
  • Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will understand and use properties and relationships in geometry.
    • Objective 3.01: Using three-dimensional figures:
      • Identify, describe, and draw from various views (top, side, front, corner).
      • Build from various views.
      • Describe cross-sectional views.
    • Objective 3.02: Identify, define, and describe similar and congruent polygons with respect to angle measures, length of sides, and proportionality of sides.
    • Objective 3.03: Use scaling and proportional reasoning to solve problems related to similar and congruent polygons.