Ideas of similarity are investigated using both a manipulative and technology. It is important to build a bridge between the technology representing the piece of paper and the actual physical piece of paper. Visiting the problem using both techniques addresses a variety of learning styles, brings the abstract into the concrete, and offers interaction with the computer as students investigate, discover, form hypotheses, draw conclusions, and benefit from the quick feedback and the interest a computer provides. Once students have had these experiences it is important to arrive at a synthesis by spending the time necessary to internalize the concepts. Manipulatives can provide space for group work, computers can afford individual explorations, and a synthesis can take place during a full-class discussion.
Students can then demonstrate their individual understandings through the writing process.
Describe the polygons that were created. Explain how you know this. Explain how you tested for this relation. Explain how you tested for this relation. Make or draw a model and explain your thinking.