Our work with two-dimensional geometry continues. The fifth graders have been finding patterns
that help determine the angle sums of polygons. They have formed conjectures about the relationship
between the number of sides of a polygon and its interior angle sum. In addition, the students have
been developing an understanding for measuring exterior angles.
As the fifth graders work on problems in this unit, they continue to ask themselves important
questions about situations involving shapes such as:
*What kinds of shapes / polygons will cover a flat surface?
*What do these shapes have in common?
*How do simple polygons work together to make more complex shapes?
*How can angle measures be estimated?
*How much accuracy is needed in measuring angles?
The students will take a Shapes and Designs unit test toward the end of the week of November 16th.
To prepare for this test, students are encourages to revisit the concepts learned. They can do so by
bringing home their math journals, rereading their notes, explaining concepts to a parent, and building
models to show what they know.