Activities to Teach Students the Area of Parallelograms and Triangles
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Teaching students the area of parallelograms and triangles might not be as easy as it seems. It requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and basic understanding of geometry. However, it can be a fun and engaging activity for students if taught effectively.
Here are some activities that can help students grasp the concept of finding the area of parallelograms and triangles:
1. The Cheez-It Parallelogram Challenge
The Cheez-It parallelogram challenge is a hands-on activity that allows students to create parallelograms and measure their area. All you need are Cheez-Its (or any other square-shaped crackers), rulers, and graph paper.
Instruct students to draw a parallelogram on the graph paper using Cheez-Its. They should then measure the length of the base and the height, and then multiply them to find the area of the parallelogram. This activity will help students understand the concept of base and height as well as the formula for calculating the area of parallelograms.
2. The Origami Triangle Challenge
The Origami triangle challenge involves creating triangles out of paper and measuring their area. This activity is particularly effective in teaching students how to calculate the area of a right-angled triangle.
Provide students with a square sheet of paper and instruct them to fold it diagonally to form a right-angled triangle. Next, show them how to measure the base and height of the triangle and then multiply them to get the area of the triangle. This activity will allow students to understand the formula for finding the area of triangles.
3. The Real-World Parallelogram and Triangle Challenge
The Real-world parallelogram and triangle challenge require students to look for real-life objects that resemble parallelograms and triangles. Then, they will have to measure the objects and calculate their area using the formulas they have learned.
For instance, students can be instructed to look for an object in their homes or classrooms that resembles a parallelogram or triangle, such as a book, a door, or a window. They should then measure the object’s base and height and calculate the area using the appropriate formula.
4. The Virtual Geoboard Challenge
The Virtual Geoboard Challenge is a digital activity that allows students to create parallelograms and triangles using a virtual geoboard. All they need is access to a computer or tablet with internet connectivity.
Instruct students to visit a website that offers virtual geoboards, such as MathPlayground.com or GeoboardApp.com. They should then use the virtual pegs to create parallelograms and triangles and then use the tools on the website to measure the base, height, and area of the shapes. This activity will help students understand the concept of base and height and how it relates to the area of parallelograms and triangles.
In conclusion, teaching the area of parallelograms and triangles requires creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Using hands-on and interactive activities can help students understand and appreciate the concept of geometry in a fun and engaging way. The activities mentioned above are just a few examples of how teachers can teach the area of parallelograms and triangles in a practical way.