Polygon Area Estimation and calculation

Description of the activity:

Activity Overview:

Getting Started:

Introduce the Growth Mindset Area Estimation Challenge to the students, framing it as an exciting adventure where they will explore the concept of area estimation. Emphasize the importance of embracing challenges and persisting through difficulties.

Procedure:

• Polygon Decomposition: Present students with a complex polygon and explain that their task is to estimate/calculation area

• Problem-Solving Strategies: Review problem-solving strategies with the students, such as breaking down the problem into smaller parts, using approximation techniques, and making reasonable estimations based on known information.

• Group Work: Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a different polygon to estimate the area. Encourage collaboration and teamwork as students discuss strategies, share ideas, and work together to decompose the polygon and estimate its area.

• Estimation and Calculation: Instruct students to calculate the area of each decomposed shape and then sum the areas to estimate/calculate the total area of the polygon. Ask them to explain their reasoning and justify their obtained results.

• Encouragement and Reflection: Throughout the activity, provide positive reinforcement and encouragement to students as they tackle the challenge. Celebrate their efforts and achievements, regardless of the outcomes. After completing the estimation, facilitate a reflection session where students discuss their approaches, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

Conclusion:

Wrap up the activity by reinforcing the key messages about growth mindset and problem-solving. Encourage students to continue embracing challenges and approaching mathematical problems with confidence and perseverance. Remind them that with effort and persistence, they can overcome obstacles and achieve success in mathematics and beyond.