Identify properties of triangles

I can use different properties to identify and sort triangles.

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Year 3

Identify properties of triangles

I can use different properties to identify and sort triangles.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Triangles always have three sides, vertices and angles.
Triangles always have straight sides and sharp vertices.
Triangles can have right angles.
Vertices are the corners of a shape.

Keywords

Triangle - A polygon with three straight sides.
Vertex - The point where two lines meet.
Vertices - More than one vertex.
Properties - A character or quality that something has.

Common misconception

Pupils may see other shapes and collections of lines as triangles when they are not (e.g. shapes with rounded corners, three lines that do not all meet).

Provide pupils with shapes, and explore shapes in the environment, classifying them as 'triangles' and 'not triangles'. Ask children, 'Does this shape have three straight sides? Does it have clearly defined, sharp vertices?'

Pupils will already have some familiarity with triangles but this lesson helps them to define what a triangle is. Pupils begin to classify and sort triangles by their angles, length of sides and whether they have reflective symmetry or not. The sorting provides opportunities for pupil discussion.

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).