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Ever wondered how to teach the area of triangles in an engaging way to your sixth and seventh grade students?
In this lesson plan, students will learn about calculating the area of triangles and their real-life applications. Through artistic, interactive guided notes, check for understanding, a doodle & color by number activity, and a maze worksheet, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of finding the area of triangles.
The guided notes will provide structured instructions on how to calculate the area of triangles while integrating checks for understanding to ensure students are on the right track.
The lesson culminates with a real-life example that explores the application of finding the area of triangles in everyday situations. This will help students see the relevance and importance of the topic in real-world scenarios.
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After this lesson, students will be able to:
Calculate the area of a triangle using the formula A = 1/2 * base * height
Recognize and describe real-life applications of the area of triangles, such as in construction or design
Before this lesson, students should be familiar with:
Knowledge of basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) for whole numbers and decimals
Pencils
Colored pencils or markers
Area of triangles
Base
Height
As a hook, ask students why is it important to calculate the area of triangles in real-life situations. Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce the topic of calculating the area of triangles. Walk through the key points of the topic of the guided notes, which includes:
Introducing the formula for calculating the area of a triangle
Explaining how to identify the base and height of a triangle
Discussing the relationship between the area of a triangle and a rectangle
Based on student responses, reteach concepts that students need extra help with. If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels, you can pull out students for reteaching and have more advanced students begin work on the practice exercises.
Have students practice calculating the area of triangles using the practice sheet (page 2 of guided notes) and Color by Code worksheet (page 3 of guided notes)
Walk around the classroom to answer any questions students may have and provide support as needed.
For students who finish the Color by Code worksheet quickly, they can work on the maze activity (page 4 of guided notes) for additional practice. You can also assign the maze activity as homework for students to complete for the remainder of the class.
Use the last page of the guided notes "real life applications" to bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of real-world applications of the area of triangles. Explain to the students that the area of triangles is not just a mathematical concept, but it also has practical applications in our everyday lives.
Some examples of real-life applications of the area of triangles include:
Construction: Architects and engineers often use the area of triangles in their designs. For example, when designing a roof, they need to calculate the area of triangular sections to determine the amount of material needed.
Landscaping: Landscapers need to calculate the area of triangular flowerbeds or patches of grass to determine the amount of soil or sod required.
Architecture: Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Greeks, used the area of triangles in the construction of their iconic buildings and structures. The pyramids in Egypt, for instance, are built with triangular faces.
These are just a few examples of how the area of triangles is used in the real world. It is important for students to understand the practical significance of this mathematical concept and how it applies to various fields and disciplines.
If you’re looking for digital practice for Area of Triangles, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.
Here’s a few activities to explore:
A fun, no-prep way to practice Area of Triangles is with Doodle Math — they’re a fresh take on color by number or color by code. It includes multiple levels levels of practice, perfect for a review day or sub plan.
Here are a few activities to try:
The formula for finding the area of a triangle is
Multiply the base and height of the triangle.
Divide the product by 2 to find the area.
The method for calculating the area of a triangle is the same for all types of triangles.
Identify the base and height of the triangle.
Use the formula: Area = 1/2 * base * height
Multiply the base and height together.
Divide the product by 2 to find the area of the triangle.
Finding the area of triangles has many real-life applications. Here are a few examples:
Calculating the area of a roof to determine the amount of shingles needed.
Determining the amount of paint needed to cover a triangular section of a wall.
Measuring the area of a triangular garden bed to determine the amount of soil needed.
Guided notes are a structured way to teach the area of triangles. Here's how to use them:
Provide students with guided notes that explain the concept of finding the area of triangles.
As you teach, have students fill in the missing information in the guided notes.
Use examples and visuals to reinforce the concept.
Check for understanding by asking questions and providing opportunities for practice.
The color by code worksheet is a fun way for students to practice calculating the area of triangles. Here's why it's beneficial:
Engages students in a hands-on activity while reinforcing the concept of finding area.
Provides a visual representation of the correct answers, allowing students to self-check their work.
Adds an element of creativity and enjoyment to the practice.
The maze worksheet is a great tool for reinforcing the concept of finding the area of triangles. Here's how to utilize it effectively:
Instruct students to start at the entrance of the maze and find the area of each triangle they encounter.
The correct answers will guide them through the maze to the exit.
Encourage students to check their work by adding up the areas of the triangles they pass through.
Sketch notes are visual representations that can enhance understanding of the area of triangles. Here's why they are valuable:
Allows students to visually organize information and make connections.
Encourages active processing of the material, which aids in comprehension and retention.
Provides a creative outlet for students to express their understanding of the topic.
Incorporating the real-life application task into the lesson is a great way to make the concept of finding the area of triangles relevant. Here's how to do it:
Provide students with a real-life scenario that involves finding the area of a triangle, such as measuring the area of a garden bed.
Ask students to write about the scenario and how they would use the formula to find the area.
Encourage students to think critically about the application and discuss their answers with peers.
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