Exploring Quadrilaterals

Fourth Grade
Cr

Created for Math Tutoring at South Union Elementary

Content Standards:
Iowa Core Standard 4.G.A.2
Classify twodimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or
perpendicular lines, or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size. Recognize
right triangles as a category, and identify right triangles.

Materials Needed: Poster board, popsicle sticks, construction paper, internet and computer
access, magazines, glue, markers, colored pencils.

Prerequisite Skills: Students will need to know and comply with technology guidelines. Students
will also need to know the basic foundations of geometry, including: parallel, angle, and right
angle.

Objective: By the end of the lesson, 4th grade students will be able to accurately name,
describe, and compare and contrast characteristics of quadrilaterals through a visual art project.

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Interaction with Students:

Objectives:








Today we are learning about shapes. The shapes we will focus on have four sides and are
called quadrilaterals. You will examine these quadrilaterals and describe them, and then
compare the quadrilaterals for similarities and differences and identify quadrilaterals in the real
world. You will also be creating a poster to demonstrate your knowledge of the characteristics
of quadrilaterals.

2. Make Connections









But before we do that, lets think about how quadrilaterals impact the world we live in each and
every day.

The idea is quadrilaterals arent just shapes for you to memorize in class. They exist all
throughout our environment and have many forms; the kite that you fly on a warm summer day,
the building where your parents work, a purse that you carry, or the design you and your dad
made for your treehouse. Quadrilaterals are important for us to create and enjoy the things we
experience everyday. (Have students share certain shapes that come to mind.)

3. Model










So how do we know these shapes are different? The secret to identifying quadrilaterals is to
understand what makes them different from one another. Each one has certain features that
make it unique. Lets work together on naming some of those differences now.

Teacher will use manipulatives as representations of each shape (ex. magnets on whiteboard)
and write down student comments next to each shape as they discuss.

In a group discussion activity, students will be asked questions like:

What do each of these shapes have in common?
What makes them different?
How does each one compare to a square? How about the rectangle?
Can you think of an example of this shape in the real world?

Have students create a chart using their own drawings of each quadrilateral. They can identify
special characteristics of each shape and then choose a real world example to boost their
understanding. (See below)

STUDENT TABLE How can I classify my quadrilaterals?

Shape
Name

Shape
Sketch

Parallel
Sides

Equal
Sides?

Right
Angles?

Real World
Example

ex. SQUARE

2 pairs of
parallel sides

4 equal sides

4 right angles

book (as long

as all sides are
equal), napkin,
stamp,
checkers, dice

4. Check for Understanding







Students will create a poster depicting quadrilaterals. They will artistically create each
quadrilateral using materials and medium of their choice. Students will then create a poster
presentation following these guidelines:

1. Artistic representation of each quadrilateral
2. List the characteristics of each shape
3. Identify the type of quadrilateral
4. Justify your identification by using content terms such as parallel, sides, angle, etc.

5: Assessment

(see rubric below)

Quadrilateral Project Rubric

Assessment
Criteria

3 points

2 points

1 points

Knowing and
Understanding

Demonstrates in-depth
understanding in various
contexts; is able to
precisely and effectively:
1. Identify and describe.
2. Compare, sort, and
classify shapes and
figures. 3. Explain and
demonstrate
relationships.

Demonstrates general or
limited understanding in
various contexts; is able
to precisely and
effectively: 1. Identify
and describe. 2.
Compare, sort, and
classify shapes and
figures. 3. Explain and
demonstrate
relationships.

Demonstrates little or no
understanding in various
contexts; is able to
precisely and effectively:
1. Identify and describe.
2. Compare, sort, and
classify shapes and
figures. 3. Explain and
demonstrate
relationships.

Application

With a high degree of

accuracy: 1. Identifies
and classifies shapes
and figures. 2.
Represents shapes,
figures, and properties.
3. Describes geometric
properties in everyday
experiences.

With a limited degree of

accuracy: 1. Identifies
and classifies shapes
and figures. 2.
Represents shapes,
figures, and properties.
3. Describes geometric
properties in everyday
experiences.

With little or no degree of

accuracy: 1. Identifies
and classifies shapes
and figures. 2.
Represents shapes,
figures, and properties.
3. Describes geometric
properties in everyday
experiences.

Communication

With a high degree of

effectiveness: 1.
Expresses mathematical
thinking and organizes
ideas. 2. Uses a range of
appropriate geometric
vocabulary, terms, and
symbols in oral, visual,
and written forms.

With a limited degree of

effectiveness: 1.
Expresses mathematical
thinking and organizes
ideas. 2. Uses a range of
appropriate geometric
vocabulary, terms, and
symbols in oral, visual,
and written forms.

With little or no degree of

accuracy: 1. Expresses
mathematical thinking
and organizes ideas. 2.
Uses a range of
appropriate geometric
vocabulary, terms, and
symbols in oral, visual,
and written forms.

6. Differentiation

Struggling Learners: Small group discussion with increased concrete visual aids, representing
quadrilaterals in real-life contexts.

Advanced students: Advanced learners will have the opportunity to use knowledge of
quadrilateral shapes to create a floor plan or architectural drawing using the shapes. They can
use graph paper or drawings to represent their project, and label different shapes that they
include.