Geometry and Measurement Introductory Activity
This is a three-part exercise to introduce you to the world of geometry and measurement. The point of this exercise is simply to introduce you to where and how geometry and measurement occur in our world. You will not be expected to be an expert on this topic at the end of this exercise. You will be expected to have a greater understanding and appreciation of how knowledge of geometry and measurement can enhance both your work life and home life. While working through these activities, The most important thing to remember, is to 1. Try your best and 2. Ask for help.
Part I: Shapes and Angles –
1. Create the following shapes (Draw on a separate piece of paper and/or cut one out of Styrofoam or cardboard.
2. Answer the questions for each shape.
Shapes:
Rectangle
- What makes it a rectangle? (What are its properties?)
- Estimate the length of each side.
- Measure (in inches and centimeters) and label the length of each side.
Square
- What makes it a square? (What are its properties?)
- Measure (in inches and centimeters) and label the length of each side.
Triangle
- What makes it a triangle? (What are its properties?)
- Measure (in inches and centimeters) and label the length of each side.
Right Triangle
- What makes is a right triangle? (What are its properties?)
- Measure (in inches and centimeters) and label the length of each side.
- Label the right angle.
Circle
- What makes it a circle? (What are its properties?)
- Measure and label the following (in inches and centimeters)
o Center
o Diameter
o Radius
o Circumference
Angles: (These can be created on paper.)
Right Angle
- What makes it a right angle?
- How many degrees is it?
- Label it with the right angle symbol, and the number of degrees.
Acute Angle
- What makes it an acute angle?
- How many degrees is your angle?
- Label it with the number of degrees.
Obtuse Angle
- What makes it an obtuse angle?
- How many degrees is your angle?
- Label it with the number of degrees.
Geometry and Measurement
Part II: Real-Life Measuring -
Measure the following items in the room, or on this floor (as long as you’re not disturbing another class, tutoring session, or person in her office,.)
1. Measure and write down, (below or on a separate piece of paper), the measurements for the perimeter (in the most appropriate English and Metric measurements) of the following things:
a. The room
b. The door
c. A window
d. A table
e. A plastic crate
2. For what reasons would one need to know the perimeter of these items? (Write your answers on a separate piece of paper.)
a. The room
b. The door
c. A window
d. A table
e. A plastic crate
3. Find, and write down, the area (in the appropriate English and Metric measurements) of the items you just measured. (Use scratch paper to do your calculations, if necessary.)
a. The room
b. The door
c. A window
4. For what reasons would one need to know the area of these items? (Write your answers on a separate piece of paper.)
5. Return to each of the items you measured in numbers 1 and 2, and answer the following questions:
a. Does this item have a third dimension? Where?
b. What would you call this dimension?
c. What is its measurement (in the appropriate English and Metric measurements)?
i. The room
ii. The door
iii. A window
iv. A table
v. A crate
d. Why would it be important to know this third measurement? How would one use this information in a real-life situation?
Geometry and Measurement
Part III: Everyday Shapes -
Find items, in the room or on this floor (without disturbing other people or classes), that have the following shapes. Write their names and, if possible, their measurements (English and Metric):
a. Square (sides)
b. Rectangle (length and width)
c. Triangle (each side)
d. Circle (diameter, radius and circumference)
Now, find the following items that have the following shapes. Write their names and, if possible, their measurements (English and Metric):
a. Cube
b. Rectangular prism
c. Rectangular pyramid
d. Triangular pyramid
e. Cylinder
f. Sphere
g. Cone
1. How are the items in this second set different from the items in the first set?
2. How are they the same as the groups in the first set?
3. How many everyday items can you come up with that have the following shapes? Write them below. (If you’re having trouble with ideas, brainstorm with a partner, a volunteer, or with the whole group. Write as many as you can.)
a. Cube
b. Rectangular prism
c. Rectangular pyramid
d. Triangular pyramid
e. Cylinder