Lesson Plan | Teachy Methodology | Triangles: Similarity

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide a clear and focused overview of the main objectives of the lesson, ensuring that both the teacher and the students know exactly what is expected to be achieved. This clarity is essential to maintain focus during the lesson and to help students understand the relevance of what they are learning.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the concept of similarity of triangles and its properties.

2. Apply knowledge of similarity of triangles to calculate the sizes of the sides of similar triangles.

Side Objectives

1. Develop critical thinking skills by identifying and solving problems related to the similarity of triangles.
2. Use digital tools to explore and visualize the relationship of similarity between triangles.

Introduction

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to actively and contextually engage students in the introduction to the theme of the similarity of triangles. By using technology and fostering curiosity, students start the lesson with a practical and relevant perspective, making learning more meaningful and dynamic.

Warming Up

The similarity of triangles is a fundamental concept in geometry that allows us to compare shapes and sizes accurately. To kick off our lesson, ask students to use their phones to find an interesting fact or real-world application about the similarity of triangles. They may look for examples in engineering, architecture, or even graphic design. After a few minutes, request that they share what they found with the class.

Initial Reflections

1. What does it mean for two triangles to be similar?

2. What are the criteria for determining the similarity of triangles?

3. How can the similarity of triangles be applied in real-world situations?

4. Did anyone find any interesting fact or practical application about the similarity of triangles in their research?

Development

Duration: 70 to 85 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide an active and meaningful learning experience, where students can apply the concept of similarity of triangles in practical and relevant contexts, using digital tools. Through collaborative and creative activities, students not only reinforce their mathematical knowledge but also develop communication skills, critical thinking, and competent use of modern technologies.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - The Geometric Influencers 📈

> Duration: 60 to 70 minutes

- Objective: Develop the ability to communicate mathematical concepts using various digital media, reinforcing learning through teaching.

- Description: Students must create a social media campaign as if they were digital influencers explaining the similarity of triangles. The campaign should include Instagram posts, short TikTok videos, and a small blog post. The idea is to use multimedia to explain concepts, solve problems, and apply triangle similarity in practical situations.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group must create a fictitious profile of a digital influencer focused on math education.

• The groups must create at least 3 Instagram posts, including images and captions that explain the concept of similarity of triangles.

• Create at least 2 short TikTok videos (up to 1 minute) explaining and demonstrating how to calculate the sizes of the sides of similar triangles.

• Write a small blog post (maximum 300 words) summarizing the concepts and practical applications of the similarity of triangles.

• Students should use image and video editing apps like Canva, InShot, or similar.

• At the end of the activity, each group should present their campaign to the class, explaining their design and communication choices.

• Encourage students to be creative and use everyday examples to make the explanation more appealing.

Activity 2 - Mission: Geometric City 🏙️

> Duration: 60 to 70 minutes

- Objective: Apply the concepts of similarity of triangles in a practical and visual context, encouraging the use of technology and creativity in urban planning.

- Description: Students will be challenged to design a part of a city using the concepts of similarity of triangles. They should use an online 3D modeling tool (like Tinkercad) to create buildings and structures at different scales, maintaining the similarity of triangles when designing roofs and other triangular parts of the constructions.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group should access the online 3D modeling tool, such as Tinkercad.

• Students must design at least 3 different buildings that utilize the concept of similarity of triangles in their structures, such as roofs, windows, etc.

• The models should be accompanied by calculations and explanations that prove the similarity of triangles used.

• Students should be prepared to present and justify their choices and mathematical calculations to the class.

• Encourage discussion about how the similarity of triangles can be used in architecture and engineering.

Activity 3 - Mathematical Treasure Hunt 🗺️

> Duration: 60 to 70 minutes

- Objective: Promote teamwork problem-solving and practical use of the similarity of triangles through a playful and interactive activity.

- Description: Students will participate in a digital treasure hunt where they will have to solve a series of riddles and problems using the similarity of triangles. The clues will be hidden on different online platforms (Google Maps, QR codes, Kahoot). Each solution leads to the next clue until they find the final 'treasure.'

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group receives an initial sequence of clues that will lead them to solve mathematical problems involving the similarity of triangles.

• Students should use resources like Google Maps to measure distances and angles between points that form similar triangles.

• Use QR codes spread throughout the environment (physical or virtual) that, when scanned, provide access to the next challenges.

• Create quizzes and questions on Kahoot related to the similarity of triangles, which must be solved to proceed.

• Each solved problem leads to a new clue, culminating in locating the final 'treasure,' which could be a set of extra points or a small symbolic reward.

• Encourage collaboration and effective communication within groups to solve the challenges.

Feedback

Group Discussion

Promote a group discussion with all students. Ask each group to share what they learned during the activities, highlighting challenges faced and creative solutions. Follow this outline:

1. Introduction: Explain the importance of sharing experiences to consolidate learning.
2. Group Presentations: Invite each group to present their campaigns, explanations, and discoveries.
3. Debate: Encourage students to ask questions about their peers' work, fostering a healthy debate about the different approaches used.
4. Conclusions: Summarize the main points discussed and reinforce how the similarity of triangles can be applied in different practical contexts.

Reflections

1. What were the main challenges you encountered when applying the concept of similarity of triangles in the activities? 2. How do you think the use of digital tools impacted your understanding and application of the similarity of triangles? 3. In what ways did collaboration in the group help to solve the proposed problems?

360° Feedback

After the discussion, instruct the class to carry out a 360° feedback phase. Each student should receive feedback from the other members of the group they worked with. Guide the students to give constructive and respectful feedback, focusing on aspects such as collaboration, creativity, understanding of the concept, and communication skills. Use this outline to guide the feedback:

1. Positive Aspects: Each student should highlight a positive point about their peers' contributions to the activity.
2. Areas for Improvement: Suggest areas where each member can improve, always in a constructive and specific manner.
3. Thanks and Recognition: Encourage students to thank each other for their effort and collaboration during the activities.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

📚 Purpose of the Conclusion 📚

This stage aims to consolidate learning in a light and fun manner, reinforcing the main points covered and showing the practical importance of the topic. By connecting content with the modern world and its applications, we encourage students to see mathematics from a different perspective, as an indispensable tool in building and understanding everyday life. 🧠✨

Summary

🎉 Congratulations, Mathematical Explorers! 🎉

During our adventure with similar triangles, we explored various fundamental concepts in a practical and fun way. We created digital influencer campaigns, designed geometric cities, and even participated in a digital treasure hunt! All of this helped us understand that similar triangles have the same shape but different sizes, and that we can use proportions to calculate their sides. 🏆

World Connection

🌐 Connecting with the Modern World 🌐

In a world where digital influencers and 3D technologies are on the rise, we saw how mathematics is not just a school subject but a powerful tool applied in various professions, from architecture to engineering and graphic design. With digital activities, we experienced firsthand how these techniques are used in real life, making learning more relevant and aligned with our modern routines. 📱💻

Practical Application

🔍 Applications in Everyday Life 🔍

The concept of similarity of triangles is essential in various fields such as architecture, where scales and models are fundamental, and in technology, in graphics and animations. Understanding this similarity allows us to solve practical problems and create innovative solutions, demonstrating how mathematics is a key piece in building and interpreting the world around us. 🏗️🖌️