Subject: Mathematics
Topic: Polygons
Grade Level: 4
Student Lesson name and URL:http://ctap295.ctaponline.org/~prandolp/student/

3.7 Know the definitions of different triangles (e.g., equilateral, isosceles, scalene) and identify their attributes.
3.8 Know the definition of different quadrilaterals (e.g., rhombus, square, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid).
 

Introductory Activity: 
1) Read The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns.
2) Students will follow directions to cut the different tangram shapes from a square.(About Teaching Mathematics by Marilyn Burns  The Tangram Puzzle p. 83) 
3) Using a set of tangrams students will find all the different shapes using different numbers of pieces. (The Tangram Puzzle p. 83)

 Enabling Activities:
1) Students will visit two web sites that explain and define the different geometric shapes. 
           a)Figures and polygons
           b)Math.com

2)They will use the Polygon study guide as they work their way through the sites. 
3) After completing the studyguide, students will visit Ask Dr.Math .
4)Students will create a mind map that shows the relationships between all the shapes and will include the definitions.

Culminating Activity:
 Together students will create a power point presentation that defines, explains,and classifies the different triangles and quadrilaterals. They will work in partners to create a slide that will be part of the class presentation.

Introductory Activity
The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns
About Teaching Mathematics A K-8 Resource by Marilyn Burns

Enabling Activity
Polygon study guide. 
Figures and polygons Polygons|/ctap295/public_html/polygons.htm
http://www.math.com/school/subject3/sm7lessons/S3U2L1GL.html#
polygon mind map
power point rough draft page

Culminating Activity
geojokes.html
Ask Dr.Math
http://www.tessellations.com/

William Brooks Elementary School 
3610 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA
Patty Randolph Nicker8567@aol.com
Last Revised: 05/05/2001