standard_description: Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles, and others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and that the shared attributes can define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize rhombuses, rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals, and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not belong to any of these subcategories.
problem_activity: Narrative
This warm-up prompts students to carefully analyze and compare quadrilaterals and their sides. When students make comparisons, they have a reason to use geometric language precisely (MP6). The activity also enables the teacher to hear the terminology students know and how they talk about characteristics of two-dimensional figures. The knowledge and ideas that students show here may also be insightful to teachers in the next lesson, when students learn about angles.
Launch
Groups of 2
Display the image.
“Pick one that doesn’t belong. Be ready to share why it doesn’t belong.”
1 minute: quiet think time
Activity
“Discuss your thinking with your partner.”
2–3 minutes: partner discussion
Record responses.
Student Facing
Which one doesn’t belong?
[IMG]
Student Response
Teachers with a valid work email address can
click here to register or sign in
for free access to Student Response.
Activity Synthesis
“How might we know if the sides of a figure are parallel?” (We could extend the lines or measure to see if the two sides are always the same distance apart.)
“All four quadrilaterals have at least one pair of parallel sides. Do all quadrilaterals have at least one pair of parallel sides?” (No) “Can you draw one with no pairs of parallel sides?”


aligns: no