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Exploring properties of rectangles and parallelograms using dynamic software

Dynamic geometry software provides an environment in which students can explore geometric relationships and make and test conjectures. In this example, properties of rectangles and parallelograms are examined. The emphasis is on identifying what distinguishes... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 and 5 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Exploring the value of the whole

This lesson focuses on the relationship between parts and the whole. These relationships were developed earlier and require the students to consider the size or value of the same fraction when different “wholes” are compared. This lesson promotes... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 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

Facing up

In this lesson, one of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “Going Places: Measuring and Mapping,” students create a map of their face and practice locating different parts using the geometric and measurement concepts they have learned... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Figuring in football

In this lesson, one of a five-part unit from Illuminations titled “Mathematics and Football,” students examine the influences of pattern, symmetry, and design in the real world, by looking at a football field. A football field has numerous figures... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Finding lines of symmetry

In this lesson, one of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “Geometry in the World of Art,” students identify and create lines of symmetry and congruent figures. They explore these concepts with paper cutting and modeling on a geoboard. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Finding perimeter and area

Students develop strategies for finding the perimeter and area for rectangles and triangles using geoboards and graph paper. They also learn how measurement is a critical component in planning a clubhouse design. Illuminations provides and activity sheet... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Finding your way around: Graphing on the coordinate plane

In this lesson from Illuminations, students make their way around two-dimensional space in conceptually rich activities. The teaching activities are organized around two major conceptual categories: finding one's way around in the plane and using the plane... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 and 6 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Geoboards

This lesson, one of a five-part unit from Illuminations titled “Investigating Shapes: Recognizing, Constructing, and Identifying Triangles,” students identify and recognize triangles using multiple representations, locate triangles in their... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Getting to know the shapes

In this lesson, students discover the uses of geometry and measurement in the world of architecture as they are introduced to the clubhouse project. After reading How a House is Built by Gail Gibbons and Building... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Getting to know the solids

In this lesson, students are introduced to some of the basic polyhedra. Students explore the shapes of the faces of these solids. Illuminations provides links to the geometric solids tool and detailed instructions for completing the activity. Students... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Going on a shape hunt: Integrating math and literacy

In this ReadWriteThink lesson, students are introduced to shapes through appropriate children's books and many different learning modalities. They then learn shape names, locate shapes in their environment, practice spelling out the names of items and shapes... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K English Language Arts and Mathematics)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

Handy map

This lesson, one of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “Going Places: Measuring and Mapping,” engages students in creating a map of their hands. It provides purpose for using directional or positional words with mapping. The teacher draws... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K Mathematics and Social Studies)

Provided by: Illuminations

Helping ladybug hide with arrows and angles

In this lesson, one of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “Going Places: Measuring and Mapping,” students use a Java applet to hide a ladybug under a leaf. This requires experimentation, planning, and understanding of spatial relationships... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

How do you build triangles?

In this lesson, the second in a four-part unit from Illuminations titled “Triangles,” students investigate basic properties of triangles. They then investigate the relationships among basic geometric shapes and communicate their findings to... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

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

I've seen that shape before

In this lesson from Illuminations, students learn the names and explore properties of solid geometric shapes. In a variety of activities, students use physical models of simple solid shapes, and identify these shapes in the real-world and in pictures found... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Infinite Secrets

Mathematicians, scientists, and historians unlock the secrets of Archimedes long lost manuscript. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: PBS and WGBH

Investigating fractions with pattern blocks

This lesson promotes problem solving and reasoning with fractions as students investigate the relationships between various parts and wholes. It also focuses on representation because students are given multiple opportunities to investigate the relative... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Investigating the concept of triangle and properties of polygons

This two-part example from Illuminations describes activities using interactive geoboards to help students identify simple geometric shapes, describe their properties, and develop spatial sense. This first part, Making Triangles, focuses attention on the... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations