Unit 7 Transformational Geometry

5B students will be starting a new math unit on Tuesday.  The unit is called Transformational Geometry and it fits into the Geometry and Spatial Sense strand.

Big Ideas:

• coordinate systems can be used to describe the location of a figure.
• translations (slides), reflections (flips), and rotations (turns) are transformations.
• figures have attributes, such as parallel sides, right angles, and line symmetry, that allow us to sort and name them.

These concepts help students to develop spatial awareness.  Spatial visualization skills are important.  Many everyday activities, such as map reading, giving directions, and following assembly instructions, rely on these skills. 

Activities ideas to support this strand at home:

• draw a map of your neighbourhood on a grid and identify the coordinates of 3 different locations.
• play the game Battleship.
• search your home and yard for objects with symmetry.
• fold and cut paper to make paper snowflakes.  Look for symmetry and holes with the same size and shape.