A Classifying Triangles Activity

Here's an activity that I have been using to help my students achieve mastery on classifying triangles by side lengths and angle measures.

The primary objectives of this activity are (1) to master vocabulary, and (2) be able to correctly relate the different triangle classifications with each other.

The activity involves a 4 X 5 table. The top row will feature the triangle classifications based on angle measures: acute, right, obtuse, and equiangular. The left column will feature the triangle classifications based on side lengths: scalene, isosceles, and equilateral.

In this activity, the students, individually or in groups, will determine if triangles can fall under two such classifications. For example: Is it possible to draw a triangle that is both acute and scalene? If so, the students will draw that triangle and label it appropriately. If not, then they may write NP for not possible.

I find this activity great for reviewing vocabulary (scaffolding). It is also great for classroom talk and more questioning.

What I like the most about this activity is its "friendliness" to diverse learners, from the learning-challenged to the gifted, and from the color-blind to the most artistic.

This poster was created by Kendra Cobos, Edgar Devora,

Vincent Grimaldo and Rey de Leon in my Geometry class.

Freshmen Irma Mata, Alex Tenopala, Kaela Garcia and Amber

Hernandez created this poster in my Geometry class.

Poster created by Dalia Gutierrez, Victoria Gomez and Berenice Pacheco.