We've been studying tranformational geometry this week. We made up this interactive tool for our math journals. I saw the idea of using a paperclip for translations (slides) on pinterest months ago (I'm sorry - I couldn't find where I first saw it, so if it was yours - it was brilliant!) We cut a trapezoid for the translation and recorded the location of the vertices below. We then translated it 4 units to the right and recorded the new position of the vertices. We coloured where the translated shape would be, and checked with our original.
For the rotation we cut out a triangle and used a brass fastener so we could rotate it. We recorded the original position of the vertices, then performed a 90 degree clockwise turn and recorded the new position of the vertices (we also had a chance to discuss how rotations can sometimes be described as reflections as well).
For the reflection we used a square (we had three squares folded together so we could show a reflection over the x-axis, and a reflection over the y-axis.) We recorded the original location of the 2 x 2 square, then the new positions once they had been reflected over both the x and y axis.
We used the 4 quadrant coordinate system so I could also review integers - our provincial testing is in one week, so the more I can squeeze into them right now, the better.
I don't have pictures of the left-side of the journals today - we finished this one up late on Friday, and many students had to complete the proof and reflection for homework - many students were coming up with their own version of the interactive tool.
Happy Sunday!!! Have a FABULOUS day!!!
I love this, Jen!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the cottage :)
Elizabeth
Fun in Room 4B
Thanks, Elizabeth! We had a fabulous day at the cottage - the weather was beautiful! Makes me wish for summer all the more, now!
DeleteI love the idea of doing interactive journals! I hadn't heard of them until recently, and I'm making plans to use them next year. I think the kids will love making these!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Will Grade For Coffee
Thanks, Laura! I had just heard about them last summer, and knew it was something I HAD to do. My students have LOVED them this year!
DeleteLove the idea of math journals! I'm passing on the One Lovely Blog award, so stop by my blog to check it out!
ReplyDeletehttp://frcklz613.blogspot.com
Thank-you, Melissa!
DeleteJen, I LOVE this week's journal!!! This is a pretty tough concept for kids to grasp. Your graph & manipulatives make it so much easier to visualize it. What a great lesson. You are truly amazing my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mor! I forgot to say in the post that we only put glue in the very center of the coordinate grid - that way the edges were still free to move the shapes around as we pleased.
DeleteWowza! I just stumbled upon your blog through Pinterest- I love, love, love your math journal. I teach grade 6 in Cambridge, On.- I will be definitely be starting this with my students in September. - I'm sure you've explained somewhere how, where you got your ideas, but do you have any pointers for me?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I just spent a good hour looking through your blog!
Nicole
Jen, I just love your math journals. This one is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic! I am going to have my students use this as an introduction to transformations. For the reflection, though, I am using tape on just one side of the square (along the y-axis), so that the square will actually reflect. It looks a bit like a children's book where you open the flap. Thank you!
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