Microteaching Lesson Plan

Group Micro-Teaching: Triangles
Meghan Bentley, Paul Spoering, Vincent Kwong
Grade 10 Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics
Geometry:
B4: Demonstrate an understanding of primary trig ratios (sin, cos, tan) by:

    *  applying similarity to right angle triangles
    * generalizing patterns from similar right triangles
    * applying the primary trig ratios

Activity: See learning objective
Materials:

    * Construction Paper
    * Calculators
    * Rulers
    * Protractors
    * Measuring Tape
    * Scissors
    * Large Paper Cutter

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(30 sec) Bridge: Models are used all the time as a draft of a construction project, and in architecture. By creating a smaller compact replica of your project, you can test out logistics, on cheaper materials. In this lesson we will review the concepts of similar and right triangles, to create a model of a ramp that will sit flush to the floor and wall.

Learning objectives:
Application of properties of right angle triangles, similarity and trig ratios to construct a ramp that is flush to the wall and to the floor.

Teaching Objectives:
Review of concepts of right angle triangles, similarity and trig ratios
Guide students in applying these concepts to a hands-on activity which involves designing, calculating and constructing a ramp with the correct angles to fit flush against the wall and against the floor.
Try to mimic this to make it as real as possible

( 1-2 min) Pre-test:
Who can remember the properties of similar triangles?
Who can remember the properties of right angle triangles?
Who can remember the properties of trig ratios?

(9 min) Participatory Learning:
Measure height of wall and length of floor (Use measuring tape)
Use similar triangles to scale down these measurements for the construction (Use calculator)
Use trig ratios to determine the angles of the ramp. (Use calculator)
Use trig ratios to determine the length of the ramp. (Use calculator)
if we have time, ask them to compare Pythagoras Thm results to this method
Sketch out the ramp on construction paper (Use ruler, protractor, pencil)
Cut out the ramp (Scissors or larger paper cutter if available)
Place against wall and see if angles of ramp are flush with the wall.

( 1-2 min) Post-test
Reiterate the concepts of right angle triangles, similarity and trig ratios
Open discussion about any issues that may have come up (eg ramp angles were not flush)
Ask for other examples where right angle triangles, similarity and trig ratios could be used or would be useful.

(30 sec) Summary
In this lesson we created a model of ramp that needed to be flush to the wall. This activity relied on applying our past knowledge of similar and right triangles.