Title of Book:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Hamster Champs
Stuart J. Murphy
Harper Collins
0060557737
Grade Level for Recommended Use: 6th grade
TEKS:
(6) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student uses geometric vocabulary to describe angles,
polygons, and circles. The student is expected to:
(A) use angle measurements to classify angles as acute, obtuse, or right;
(8) Measurement. The student solves application problems involving estimation and
measurement of length, area, time, temperature, volume, weight, and angles. The student is
expected to:
(C) measure angles
Summary: Three hamsters build ramps in order to outwit the hungry cat Hector. Using a
protractor to measure a 30-degree angle, the hamsters set up a ramp made out of a board
supported by blocks. Then they get in a toy car, parked on the couch, and race down another
ramp—this one made of pillows—which gives them enough speed to climb up the board and
briefly fly in the air. Wheee! Hector’s not impressed. So they try again with a 45-degree angle.
Then a 60-degree angle, but it's too steep. Hector’s getting bored! He wants a larger angle. Guess
what happens when the champs try a 180-degree angle.
Materials Needed: pencil, protractor, worksheets (link at the bottom of the page)
Suggested Activity:
1. Read the story to the students. Ask a few questions about what type of angles
(acute, right, obtuse) the hamsters are creating.
2. Handout the worksheets and protractors. Have the first estimate the angles, then
measure them with. Have students then classify each angle as acute, right, or obtuse.
References and/or websites:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Measuring-Angles-Practice-Worksheets
Extension Lesson:
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?id=L278
Adapted by: (Sonya Harrell, 2012)