Comparing and Contrasting Quadrilaterals

Explanation & Purpose

For the activity provided below, I would like the student to move around each shape. I want them to pull on each shape, looking at the shape change position and size. Observe how the angles change and the length of the shapes become smaller and/or larger. After, observing and playing with each shape; answer the questions below. The purpose of the worksheet is helping students identify different types of quadrilaterals. The purpose is to help each student identify similar and different attributes between the shapes, as well as help children identify shapes based on what they know about the properties and definitions. It is helpful for students to be able to classify two- dimensional figures based on lines, angles, and shape. Common Core Math Standards: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.GA.1 CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.GA.2

Definitions

  • Polygon: a simple (none of the lines cross), closed (all line segments are joined at vertices, and two-dimensional shape with all straight lines
  • Quadrilateral:a polygon with four sides and four angles that sum to 360 degrees
  • Square: a quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles
  • Rectangle: a quadrilateral with opposite sides parallel and of equal length and interior angles are right angles
  • Trapezoid: a quadrilateral with sides that have a pair of opposite sides parallel
  • Kite: a quadrilateral that has two pairs of equal adjacent sides

Questions

  1. When looking at quadrilateral A, moving the shape around, examining the length of the sides and the angles, what is Quadrilateral A?
  2. When looking at quadrilateral B, moving the shape around, examining the length of the sides and the angles, what is Quadrilateral B?
  3. What makes Quadrilateral A different from Quadrilateral B?What makes both figures similar?
  4. When looking at Quadrilateral C, moving the shape around, examining the length of the sides and angles, what is Quadrilateral C?
  5. What makes Quadrilateral C different from Quadrilateral A? Quadrilateral B?
  6. When looking at Quadrilateral D, moving the shape around, examining the length of sides and angles, what is Quadrilateral D?
  7. When moving around and examining the lengths and angles, how does this help you see similarities and differences between the shapes?