LEARN NC

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

Polygon capture: A geometry game

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L270

A lesson plan for Grades 7–8 Mathematics

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

About this resource

Appropriate grades
7–8
Subjects
mathematics (geometry)
Provider
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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Students classify polygons according to more than one property at a time. The purpose of this game is to motivate students to examine relationships among geometric properties. The game also gives students a format for using important geometric vocabulary–parallel, perpendicular, quadrilateral, acute, obtuse, and right angle-in a playful situation. Illuminations provides instructions and all materials needed to complete the activity.

Students will:

  • Precisely describe, classify, and understand relationships among types of two- and three-dimensional objects using their defining properties.
  • Create and critique inductive arguments concerning geometric ideas and relationships.
  • Progress from description to analysis of geometric shapes and their properties.

NCTM Standards and Expectations:

  • Create and critique inductive and deductive arguments concerning geometric ideas and relationships, such as congruence, similarity, and the Pythagorean relationship.
  • Understand relationships among the angles, side lengths, perimeters, areas, and volumes of similar objects.
  • Precisely describe, classify, and understand relationships among types of two- and three-dimensional objects using their defining properties.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 7

  • 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.

Grade 8

  • Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will understand and use properties and relationships in geometry.
    • Objective 3.01: Represent problem situations with geometric models.
    • Objective 3.02: Apply geometric properties and relationships, including the Pythagorean theorem, to solve problems.
    • Objective 3.03: Identify, predict, and describe dilations in the coordinate plane.