Area of Triangles, Parallelograms & Trapezoids: Middle School Geometry

Using the JIGSAW grouping strategy, your students can master the geometric formulas for the area of triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids.

Jigsaw is a great way to encourage your students to work collaboratively and take control of their own learning. Students become experts at one skill, teach it to others, and also learn from their peers. This lesson uses the jigsaw strategy and an inquiry approach to help students understand the explanation for three area formulae.

Teacher Instructions:

• Print two-page handouts (a third with each page 1, and all with the same page 2).

• Split your class into three groups.

• Each group is asked to master finding the area of one shape.

• Students collaborate, using the grid, to prove/explain the formula.

• THEN JIGSAW: Make trios with one expert from each group.

• The three students teach each other about each formula.

This is a great lesson to reinforce the learning in a geometry unit, or it could be used an initial inquiry before you teach the formulas.

Grades to Use With:

This lesson is specifically designed for students in grade 6 and meets the following standard:

Common Core Standard: 6th Grade Geometry: Find the area of triangles and special quadrilaterals

British Columbia, Canada: Learning Standard Grade 6 Math: Determine the Area of Triangles, Parallelograms, and Trapezoids

However, it could also work with slightly older or younger students depending on split classes or your area's learning standards.

What's Included: 5-Page PDF: Ready to Print and Use

• Title Page/Teacher Instructions

• 3 Unique Worksheets: One for each JIGSAW Group

• A final worksheet you give to every student

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