Download SUBJECT: Math / Technology

Equilateral Triangles To The Star Of David
Subject: Math / Technology/ Art /Social Studies
Grade Level: 5 - 6
Math
Standard: Geometry and Spatial Sense
Benchmark: Characteristics and Properties
Indicators: 1. Classify and describe two-dimensional and threedimensional geometric figures and objects by using their properties;
e.g., interior angle measures, perpendicular/parallel sides,
congruent angles/sides.
2. Use standard language to define geometric vocabulary: vertex,
face, altitude, diagonal, isosceles, equilateral, acute, and obtuse
and other vocabulary as appropriate.
Technology
Standard: Technology and Information Literacy
Benchmark: C. Develop search strategies retrieve information in a variety
of formats and evaluate the quality and appropriate use of internet
resources.
Indicator: Search Strategies 3. Identify keywords which describe
the information need and use keywords as search terms (e.g.
review search engine “help’ page terms).
Art
Standard: Creative Expression and Communication
Benchmark: B. Create two-and three-dimensional original artwork that
demonstrates personal visual expression and communication.
Indicator: 3. Explore ways that art-making functions as a means of
personal identification and expression.
Social Studies
Standard: Skills and information
Benchmark: Obtaining Information
Indicator: 1. Obtain information from a variety of print and
electronic sources and analyze its reliability including:
a. Accuracy of facts;
b. Credentials of the source.
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2. Locate information in a variety of sources using key
works, related articles and cross-references.
3. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources.
Description: Students learn and /or review basic geometry vocabulary including
circles and triangles while learning how to construct equilateral triangles on a
circle. Students will relate this to the construction of the Star of David after
researching the origins of it in relationship to Israel.
Taken From: The GeoArt Workbook: Conceptualizing in Three Dimensions;
Chapter 3.
Duration: One hour and 30 minutes or two 45 minute sessions
Vocabulary:
Circumference
Diameter
Radius
Interior Angles
Exterior Angles
Congruent
Vertex
Equilateral Triangles
Intersecting Point
Star of David
Objectives:
Students will research the origin and design of the Star of David.
Students will learn how to make a flower using a compass.
Students will use the flower to make equilateral triangles.
Students will draw the Star of David using a compass and straightedge.
Students will identify interior and exterior angles, vertex, congruent sides
and angles, acute angles and diagonals.
Students will learn about the Israeli flag, color one side of Star of David as
it appears on Israeli flag, and other side with symbols representing peace
from their own experiences.
****Students will share these with Israeli partner during a video
conference.
Procedure:
1. Using The GeoArt Workbook, Chapter 3, pg. 37 students construct a
flower inside a circle. Identify and define the circumference of the
circle before students begin.
NOTE: Let students discover how many times the radius will
arc across the circumference of the circle.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
Identify the flower as interior and area outside the flower as exterior.
Color interior of flower all one color.
Color exterior all a different color.
Students will draw circles using circumferences of different sizes if
possible by selecting a circle to trace from items in the room.
6. Repeat constructions of arcs ONLY as with the flower.
7. Using a straightedge and black pen connect arc points to center point.
8. Identify radius and diameter of circle.
9. Using straightedge connect points on the circumference of the circle to
adjacent points on the circumference using black pen.
10. Identify and measure several straight edges to discover that they are
all equal or congruent. Show symbols to identify congruent sides.
11. Identify and measure several interior angles to discover that they are
all equal or congruent. Show symbols to identify congruent angles.
12. Define equilateral triangles.
13. Repeat construction of scoring arcs around the circle with your
compass
14. Students connect EVERY OTHER POINT ON THE
CIRCUMFERENCE AND STOP AFTER FORMING ONE TRIANGLE.
15. Identify the equilateral triangle.
16. Repeat with remaining points on the circumference forming another
triangle using a different colored pencil so it stands out from the
original.
17. Identify ALL equilateral triangles formed. (8)
18. Identify the Star of David.
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19. Color this side as the Israeli flag reflecting research already done.
20. Construct the same Star of David on the other side of the circle. Color
in the Star of David as on the front.
21. Let students fill in all equilateral triangles with designs or symbols of
their choice that represent peace to them.
22. Cut out the circle.
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Extension: Students will share their Star of David with their Israeli partner
during video conferencing.
Supplies:
computers with internet connection per student:
Cardstock
Straightedge
Compass
Colored pencils
Black pen
Protractor
Assessment: Students draw and label equilateral triangle identifying
congruent edges, congruent angles, interior and exterior angles, and
vertex.
Author: Terrie Baumgartner – Tuslaw Local Schools, Tuslaw Middle
School
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