Module 10

Annenberg Symmetry Module

This module was so strange to me. While I was reading the definitions, it all felt terribly abstract and I had to re-read explanations multiple times. When I looked at the actual examples and problems, however, I knew how to solve them. 

Problem A3

For each figure, reflect the figure over the line shown using perpendicular bisectors. Check your work with a Mira.

Printable PDF of figures

For these types of problems is there a way to ensure a more accurate reflection? While I was solving the problem, I knew to reflect the shapes across the line but I felt like I was missing an important step. 

Pentomino Activities

I tried the pentomino activity on the Scholastic website. I decided to start on the easy mode as a warm up. I think I must have a different definition of easy! I filled up the square pretty quickly until I was left with three lone spaces which could not be filled by any of the remaining shapes. I reached this dead end three more times before I finally solved the puzzle. At that point I was simultaneously happy and still a little annoyed so I did not go for the medium mode!



Pentomino Narrow Passage

My passage ended up being 15 spaces long and closed on both ends, It took me a few tries to find a way to fit all of the pieces together without having wide areas in the passage.

Tessellating T-shirts Article

I really enjoyed this article. I always like the idea of integrating Art into Math activities, I like that the teacher gave students the option of creating their own shape to use in their activity. I think that will allow students to make a deeper connection to the assignment. Tessellate means repeating a shape over and over again.
When I think of tessellation, I immediately think of moroccan tiles and patterns.

I also thought of a naturally occurring tessellation: honeycombs

Tangram Discoveries

 Which polygon has the greatest perimeter? …the least perimeter? How do you know?
I think that the trapezoid had the greatest perimeter and the square had the smallest.

Which polygon has the greatest area? …the least area? How do you know?
I think that all of the polygons had the same area because I could build each polygon using the same three triangles.

For Further Discussion
Many cultures use beautiful patterns and tessellations in their art and clothing designs. These artifacts could be a great way to connect Math and Social Studies. You could challenge students to come up with their own shape-centric patterns to use in their own stylized artwork.