Identifying Trapezoids

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

3, 5

Overview

In this video, learn about the specific properties of trapezoids. Trapezoids are special types of quadrilaterals that differ from squares, rectangles, and other parallelograms. In the accompanying classroom activity, students investigate what distinguishes this shape from parallelograms by building trapezoid models out of straw and tape.  

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 3

MA19.3.26

Recognize and describe polygons (up to 8 sides), triangles, and quadrilaterals (rhombuses, rectangles, and squares) based on the number of sides and the presence or absence of square corners.

UP:MA19.3.26

Vocabulary

  • Attribute
  • Category
  • Sub-category
  • Opposite sides
  • Angles
  • Quadrilateral
  • Triangle
  • Pentagon
  • Hexagon
  • Septagon
  • Heptagon
  • Octagon
  • Polygon
  • Square
  • Trapezoid
  • Rhombus
  • Rectangle
  • Two-dimensional

Knowledge

Students know:
  • that shapesin different categories may share attributes and that the shared attributes can define a larger category.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify two-dimensional shapes.
  • Sort shapes according to number of sides.
  • Sort quadrilaterals based on the presence or absence of square corners.
  • Draw examples of squares, rectangles, and rhombuses.
  • Draw quadrilaterals that are not rhombuses, rectangles, and squares.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Attributes of a shape help make decisions about how to categorize the shape.
  • Certain attributes are needed to belong to the subcategories of rhombuses, rectangles, and squares.
  • Sometimes a shape does not have the attributes needed to belong to the subcategories of rhombuses, rectangles, and squares.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

MA19.5.22

Classify quadrilaterals in a hierarchy based on properties.

UP:MA19.5.22

Vocabulary

  • Quadrilateral
  • Hierarchy
  • Two-dimensional
  • Properties
  • Attributes
  • Polygon
  • Rectangle
  • Rhombus
  • Square
  • Trapezoid
  • Parallelogram

Knowledge

Students know:
  • properties or attributes of two-dimensional shapes.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Classify quadrilaterals based on properties.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Quadrilaterals can be identified by general properties to more specific properties.
  • Properties belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

CUSTOM
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