Many kids struggle with math. We know this to be true. We also know that a lot of it has to do with math mindset. When it comes to geometry and angle relationships, though, there’s something else at play. There’s pictures!
Yes, there’s the opportunity for students to use formulas but this actually requires them to use their spatial sense and think logically. Here are some ideas you can try to really get your students engaging with angle relationships.
1.Make your own protractor
What is a protractor anyways? So many times we give students these tools without actually having them explore them or understand how they actually work.
Sometimes the numbers on the protractor (and the fact that they go both directions) really confuse students. Taking those numbers away and constructing their own protractor, helps students to understand that we are measuring how open an angle is.
Learn how to create a protractor from wax paper here.
2. Practice measuring angles
Once students understand what a protractor does, give them a real one and have them practice measuring angles. Even if students were taught this in previous grades, I strongly recommend reviewing…and reviewing a lot. Without a strong foundation in angle measurement, students will struggle with angle relationships.
One of my fave ways to review angle measurement is by playing Scoot with a bunch of flashcards.
3. Explore and investigate angle relationships
Now that your students have explored angles, it’s time to explore angle relationships! Make sure your students have a pencil, ruler, and protractor.
Supplementary angles – have students draw a 180° angle. Then add an arm to that angle. Encourage them to measure both angles. What do they notice? Repeat making a different sized angle than the previous one. Make one angle 80°. What do you notice?
Complementary angles – have students draw a 90° angle. Add an arm to divide the 90° angle into 2 angles. Measure both angles that are created. What do you notice?
Triangles and quadrilaterals – have students draw a triangle and a quadrilateral. Measure the interior angles and find the sum of the angles. What do they notice? Compare their results with a classmate.
Opposite angles – have students draw two lines that intersect to form an “x’. Measure the 4 angles that are formed. What do they notice?
Exterior angles – have students draw a triangle but extend the base and one of the sides (you may need to model this). Measure all the angles. What do they notice?
Once you’ve completed this exploration, it’s time to consolidate. Make an anchor chart or have students write their own notes about what they learned. Discuss how you can use these angle relationships to find the value of missing angles without measuring!
3. Send them on an angle relationship scavenger hunt
You could always give your students a worksheet to practice or you could be super fun and send them on a scavenger hunt.
Print the 10 cards and post them around the room.
Give the students choice about how they want to work (independently, pairs, small groups).
Students (without measuring) will use the properties of angle relationships they learned previously to find the unknown angle measurements.
Students can start at any card, find the answer and write it on their recording sheet.
Keeping that answer in mind, students will travel around the room looking for their answer under the “PREVIOUS ANSWER” section on each of their cards.
Once they find it, they solve that card’s question and continue on, searching for the next answer.
You can check out a done-for-you scavenger hunt here.
Giving your students the chance to engage in these hands-on activities will help them to construct their own knowledge and see the logic behind those wacky geometry pictures.
If you are looking for other teaching ideas, check out this post with tips for teaching algebraic expressions.
I’m Lauren, from “From Math to Music” – your go-to person for all things Math and Classroom Community.
Being a middle-school teacher and a mom of 3, I know how hard it is for busy teachers to create resources that allow for deep thinking and build classroom community. That's why I love sharing tips and tricks that you can you use in your middle school classroom right this minute.
