Activity 2: Shape Sorting

In my classroom I have a manipulatives called AlphaShapes.  These shapes can be sorted into various categories.  If you don’t have these, this online activity will allow your students to similate the same activity.

In this section you will to the following:

• Use the NCTM’s Illuminations web site to access the Shape Sorter activity
• Complete 3 exercises using Venn diagrams
• Optional: Complete the Sorting Polygons lesson on the Illumination web site
  

1. Access the Shape Shorter activity by clicking here
2. In the Exploration section, click the Venn diagram button  . Choose the blue and red circles that do not touch  .
3. For the blue circle, select Rectangle  from the drop down box.
4. For the red circle, select trapezoid  .
5. Click the button with the shapes on it  .  Begin sorting based on the criteria you have set.  There are 21 shapes in all.  Remember, shapes that do not fall into either circle go in the space outside of the blue and red circles.
6. Click here to reveal the answer.
   

1. This time select the Venn diagram where the red circle is within the blue circle   .
2. For the blue circle, select quadrilateral   .
3. For the red circle, select rhombus   .
4. Begin sorting based on the criteria you have set.
5. Click here to reveal the answer.

1. This time select the Venn diagram where the blue and red circles overlap   .
2. For the blue circle, select More than one line of symmetry   .
3. For the red circle, select Exactly two diagonals   .
4. Begin sorting based on the criteria you have set.
5. Click here to reveal the answer.

1. Complete the Sorting Polygons lesson