Mathematics — Grade 4

Reflection designs

Students will be able to illustrate the geometric transformation of a reflection through creating their own unique designs.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 and 8 Mathematics)

By Karen Boles.

Origami geometry

Students apply their knowledge of geometric terms to follow directions while folding an origami sculpture. Students then solve math problems which relate to the project with follow-up discussions about the project relating to geometric terms such as symmetry, faces, edges, square, triangle, plane, etc.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)

By Cherl Hollada, Libby Morrison, Michelle Kaczynski, and Susan Pope.

Flipping around pentominoes

The students will use Unifix cubes to create the twelve different pentominoes. The students will join 5 Unifix cubes to make different shapes that will lie flat on a table or level surface. The students will then test for new shapes by flipping, sliding, or turning to create each different pentomino.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 and 8 Mathematics)

By Dianne Wingate.

Resources on the web

What's in a shape?

The purpose of this lesson is to explore characteristics of shapes by making and using tangram sets; to discover how the tangram pieces are related to one another; and to determine how many different combinations of the triangles, squares, and parallelograms... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Mathematics)

Provided by: Science Netlinks

Rectangles and parallelograms

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... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Planning and making a mini-quilt

In this lesson, students create a quilt using three transformations (reflection, rotation, and translation) and then investigate the ways shapes can be colored to show “one-half” and “one-fourth.” They also locate lines of symmetry... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Planning a mini-quilt

In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students create a quilt using three transformations (reflection, rotation, and translation) and then investigate the ways shapes can be colored to show one-half and one-fourth. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)

Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

How many triangles can you construct?

Students identify patterns in a geometrical figure (based on triangles) and build a foundation for the understanding of fractals. Illuminations provides activity sheets and detailed instructions for completing the lesson. Students will: ... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–6 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Exploring turns

In this lesson, students explore the geometric transformation of rotation. They create a design and then, using turns, make a four-part paper “mini-quilt” with that design as the basis. While the formal term is “rotation,” the more... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Exploring flips and slides

In this lesson, students explore the geometric transformations of reflection and translation. Students create a design and then, using flips and slides, make a four-part paper “mini-quilt” using that design as the basis. While the formal terms... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Analyzing designs

In this lesson, students explore the geometric transformations of rotation, reflection, and translation. They create a design and then, using flips, turns, and slides, make a four-part paper “mini-quilt” square with that design as the basis.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations