Similar Triangles Cartoon
For this activity, students will be creating a cartoon involving similar triangles, such as the example cartoon below. Students will need to keep in mind the properties of similar triangles in order to create a cartoon that involves properly drawn and designed triangles. The cartoons must include at least two similar triangles with measurements along the edges and angles to show that the two (or more) triangles are in fact similar. This will require students to know that similar triangles have the same corresponding angle measures. They must also realize that the side lengths of one triangle are a scale factor (or multiple) of the sides lengths of the other triangle, thus making them similar. After completing their cartoons or sketches, students must then write a written explanation of their cartoon: what is it about? what elements of similar triangles are included in it? how do I know the triangles are similar? etc. After this, students will walk around and look at two of their peers' cartoons and write how well that person did at representing similar triangles and how they know it is about similar triangles (being specific).
I chose this activity because it allows students to be creative but also requires them to include what they have learned in the unit thus far. This gives each student a unique way to show off what they have learned in a different way rather than just completing problems in the book. After completion of this activity, the cartoons can be shared with the entire class and even be hung in the classroom or hallway to show off what the students are doing and learning in math.
I chose this activity because it allows students to be creative but also requires them to include what they have learned in the unit thus far. This gives each student a unique way to show off what they have learned in a different way rather than just completing problems in the book. After completion of this activity, the cartoons can be shared with the entire class and even be hung in the classroom or hallway to show off what the students are doing and learning in math.
Learning Targets:
- I can represent similar triangles in the form of a cartoon or drawing
- I can show that I know the properties of similar triangles by showing congruent angle measures and similar side lengths
- I can explain why my cartoon/sketch represents similar triangles
- I can identify the parts of another person's cartoon/sketch that make it similar triangles