21st Century Lesson Plan

Teacher:​ Courtney Ruhno

Subject Area:​ Geometry ​Grade Level:​ 9​th​ grade

Unit Title​: Similarities

Objectives:​ Students will solve for missing sides and scale factor of similar shapes
when given one corresponding side length.
Students will construct a model of a bridge from a design and picture of their choice.

Materials/Resources Needed:
-Rulers
-Scissors
-Coffee Stirrers
-Mini Marshmallows
-Gum drops
-Clay
-Chromebooks
-Access to Google Classroom and Google Drive

Anticipatory Set:
1.) Prompt Question: “We have learned recently about similar shapes and scale
factors. When might this information be useful in the world? Think and refer back to
our project about careers and geometry.”
2.)​ ​Students will record their thoughts on their daily warm up.
3.)​ ​Ask students to share their thinking with table members and ask for volunteers to
share and record on the board.
Objective/Purpose:
● ​Students will demonstrate their understanding on solving for a scale factor of
two similar images when corresponding sides are given.
● Students will demonstrate their understanding on solving for missing sides of
similar shapes when given scale factor.
● Students will work together collaboratively to problem solve while building their
model bridge.
○ Students will have to work together to solve the lengths of the coffee
stirrers and which item (marshmallows, gum drops, or clay) to bond them
together
○ Practice for future collaborative projects in real life, work, or academically
● Students will use geometry vocabulary and terms to explain their process to solve
and build a model bridge.
● ​Students will connect the ideas of similar shapes and scale factors to real world
examples and careers.

Input:
● ​Students will be reminded of sample problems completed in previous class
periods that involved solving for a scale factor.
● Students will be reminded of sample problems completed in previous class
periods that involved solving for missing sides when given a scale factor.
● Students will be refreshed in how to use a ruler for measuring their selected
image.
● Students will be encouraged to refer to the Geometry Google Classroom to view
videos on solving for scale factor and missing sides of similar shapes.

Model:
● Students will be shown an example design of a bridge that the teacher chose. The
teacher will also demonstrate the areas on the picture that he/she measured in
order to find the dimensions. This is important because in the photo students
select only a few measurements need to be conducted.

Check for Understanding:

● Teacher will circulate around the room and address any problems or confusions.
● Teacher will examine each group’s measurements and calculations prior to
students gaining supplies to begin construction.
Guided Practice:
● Students will work in groups to complete this project.
● Students will be given 5 to 10 minutes to choose a design of a bridge that they will
later construct a model after using an internet search engine.
● Students will be given 40 minutes to solve scale factor and missing dimensions of
the model bridge with the information that the width must be 4 cm.

Closure:
● Each group will post a picture of the design chosen and their final product on a
shared Google Slides found under assignments on the Geometry Google
Classroom page.
● Each group will post their measurements and a 2-3 sentence description on how
they solved for scale factor and missing dimensions.

Independent Practice
● Each student will post on the Geometry Google Classroom page regarding the
questions: “What were some of the challenges in today’s assignment? Besides
construction, what other careers could understanding similar shapes and scale
factors be useful? Do you think these skills are important for high school students
to learn?”