Sample Lesson Plan for Inquiry Lesson on Parallelograms

 

Set:  Using PowerPoint, display a map of Tennessee and ask students to develop a strategy for remembering the shape of the state. If necessary, guide them toward geometric shapes.

 

Long Range Objective: NM-GEO.9-12.1: Analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric shapes.

 

Objective: Tsw list four descriptors of a parallelogram.

 

Instructional Procedures:

 

  1. Entry –

See “Set”

Define parallelogram.

Introduce the inquiry question: What are known factors/descriptors of parallelograms?

  1. Hypotheses formation –

    Display two images of parallelograms on the screen.

In small groups, ask students to view the images and, based on what they see, develop probable descriptors of parallelograms.

Ask each group to submit their hypotheses. Write each one on the board.

  1. Collect Data –

Distribute pictures of parallelograms (different sizes), along with rulers and protractors.

Using this equipment, students will collect data to determine whether each hypothesis should be accepted, rejected, or characterized as ‘more info needed.”

If additional hypotheses are discovered, students are to add those to their list, along with the supporting data.

The teacher charts the fate of each hypothesis as students share their conclusions.

  1. Closure

Using the hypothesis chart on the board, the teacher leads a discussion over what has been learned/discovered.

Q & A review of objective

Students are given a list of true and false facts about parallelograms. They are to mark those facts that are true.

 

Checks for Understanding – Teacher observes group work during collection of data. Teacher analyzes quality of data during data collection and submission.

 

Guided Practice – During submission of conclusions, the teacher engages students in Q & A challenge/defense of answers.

 

Materials – Powerpoint presentation entitled: Parallelograms

                     Rulers, protractors