Lesson Refresh: Basics of Geometry

New Ways to Teach Definitions & Axioms:  Points, Lines & Planes

​Are you in need of some fresh ideas on teaching Points, Lines, Planes, and Angles? 

The number of definitions we have to teach in Geometry can become tedious and boring for our students.  

I’ve rounded up some ideas on teaching geometry to give your lesson a little refresh!
 
Whether you have years of teaching experience, are a first-year teacher, or somewhere in the middle, it’s always nice to get new, bright ideas for lessons. 

​I hope these lesson ideas help liven up your geometry unit!

​Sometimes, Always, Never Freebie
 
Who can say no to a free printable download to start out with?  I sure can’t!  Especially one that gets students active and critically thinking, while giving you a break from time-consuming planning and grading!
 
This “Sometimes, Always, Never” activity comes in two different versions; you can choose which one will fit in your lesson the best, or just save one for when you need a review activity. 
 
The best feature of this lesson is the way it gets students talking.  You’ll hear some deep thinking out loud, and maybe even a healthy argument or discussion as pairs work together to think through each case.

​Version 1
 
In this version, each student gets a handout filled with circles that have a “fact” inside.  Students decide if it’s sometimes true, always true, or never true; then, using the key on the side of the handout, they color in the circle. 
 
When colored correctly, the design can quickly be checked for accuracy; students won’t be able to predict the design!
 
This activity would be great for those early finishers on test days, because it can be easily completed alone!
 
Version 2
 
The 2nd version of this download has a similar concept, but it is a sort, so you may choose to incorporate it differently; it would be a great station.  Students have cards with the same “facts” and sort them into three categories, (Sometimes, Always, Never), on a sorting mat.
 
You can print the cards and sorting mat on ​colored cardstock and laminate them to re-use each year!

---

Geometry Sketch Game
 
Sarah, from Everybody is a Genius, saw her students were becoming bored with geometry definitions; so, she came up with a simple game to liven things up and give her students some extra practice!
 
She drew out 10 sketches of figures with points, lines, and planes, making them increasingly more complicated.  She let her students pair up and gave each individual 5 cards with sketches and 5 blank index cards.
 
The students took turns describing their sketch (using only words) for their partner to draw.  When the student was done drawing they compared sketches.  If the sketches matched up, then they got a point.  Then, the students switched roles.

---

​Word Wall
 
As you know, I love getting creative and adding color and design to rigorous learning.  Learning new topics while using creativity not only helps your students relax, but increases memory and retention.
 
Shana, from Scaffolded Math and Science, gives so many wonderful ideas for creating fun word walls in your high school classroom!
 
Since word walls are commonly used in elementary classrooms, you have to get a little more creative to ensure there is age-appropriate detail.  Beginning a geometry unit is the perfect time to begin using a word wall; there are so many new terms to learn!

---

​Real Life Problems
 
We all have heard the endless questions about applying math to real life; so why not practice some real-life problems in your own classroom?
 
The Teaching Channel shares a great video of a 6th grade teacher inviting her students to solve a real-life geometry problem about finding a table for 22 people!  Think about what you are teaching in class, and try to notice how you can integrate it in your everyday life; from you can develop a developmentally appropriate problem for your students.

---

​Geometry Construction Art
 
Once you get through some of the definitions, axioms, and tedious introductory material, it’s a great time to dive into the first constructions and get a little hands-on.  I love teaching the basic constructions, and kids love to pull out the compass and get working in a different way.
 
In the Math Giraffe TPT store, you can find an artistic project including three intricate designs that increase in difficulty level. 
 
Students follow the instruction page for each design, using a compass and straight edge.  They end up with a beautiful design that they can color and hang around the room.
In addition to basic circles and arcs, the following constructions are included (with guidance):

* Perpendicular bisector
* Midpoint
* Equilateral triangle
* Copying a distance
* Constructing a regular pentagon

---

​ 
High School Geometry Super Bundle
 
This awesome bundle from the Math Giraffe Teachers Pay Teachers store gives you access to ALL Math Giraffe high school Geometry activities!
 
BONUS: Once you purchase the bundle, you also get any updates and additions for free by re-downloading in your ‘My Purchases’ tab!

I hope these ideas help you to liven up your geometry lessons!  Do you have any other creative geometry lesson ideas? Comment below; we’d love to hear!
 
Don’t forget to enter your email address to subscribe and get Math Giraffe updates straight to your inbox!

To Read Next: