Lesson Activity Plan Template
Title of Activity:
Peculiar Polygons
Grade Level:
3rd or 4th
Mathematics Concept Standards:
Geometry
(3)G-1 Using the number or length of sides to identify, describe or compare triangles
and rectangles(M5.1.1)
(4) G-1 Using the attributes and properties of angles to identify and compare triangles
and regular polygons(M5.2.1)
Learning Objectives:
*Identify the attributes of, and name regular polygons
*Construct a variety of polygons
Math and Literature Connection:
Read aloud The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns. Ask questions and discuss as a class.
What is a polygon? A triangle has how many sides? A quadrilateral has how many
sides? What is the name of an 8-sided polygon? How about a 6-sided polygon? Why
isn’t a circle a polygon?
Learn the Content:
*Begin with math/literature connection.
*Distribute pictures of figures to groups and ask them to work together to identify the
polygons.
*Ask group leaders to explain why they selected their figures
*Math talk=If there are only one or two sides in a figure, can it be a polygon? Are all
quadrilaterals polygons?
Reinforce the Content Learning:
*Students match polygon prefixes with numbers. Example: six=hexa
*Distribute polygon figure cards and polygon name cards. Students must match their
polygons with the polygon name cards.
*Students create polygons from three sided triangles to twelve sided nonagons with
straws and twist ties. What happens to the angles as the number of sides increase?
Consolidate the Learning:
*Students identify the attributes of polygons in their journals.
*Students illustrate at least 6 different polygons and label them in their journals.
Implement the Content:
Assign student activity pages 205 and 207 “What are polygons?” and “Name
Polygons”. Students will identify and mane polygons.
Variation/Extension Activities:
*Distribute pattern blocks and ask students to name the polygons.
*Take students on a “polygon walk” around the school to find as many different
polygons as they can.
*Students create polygon flash cards
Web Resources:
www.bcps.org/offices/lis/curric/elem/elemgeo.html
www.keymath.com/x3327.xml
www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Properties-of-polygons
mathworld.wolfram.com
Lesson Plan Created By:
Amy Friesen and Marcy Farris
Lesson Related References:
Math Expressions –Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
The Mailbox Superbook-The Education Center
The Greedy Triangle-Marilyn Burns