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reSolve: Mechanical Linkages: Similar Triangles
This sequence of lessons explores the geometry of similar triangles using two real-world objects: ironing boards and pantographs. In the first lesson, students investigate different ironing board leg lengths and pivot positions using similar and congruent triangles. In the second lesson, they use their knowledge of parallelogram properties and similar triangles to explore and explain how pantographs work. Each lesson is outlined in detail including curriculum links, materials needed, sample answers, discussion points and student resources such as links for simulations online. This sequence is part of the reSolve: Maths by Inquiry special topic 'Mechanical linkages and deductive geometry'.
Additional details |
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Year level(s) | Year 9 |
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Audience | Teacher |
Purpose | Teaching resource |
Format | Downloadable resources |
Teaching strategies and pedagogical approaches | Mathematics investigation |
Keywords | triangles (shapes), dilation, similarity (geometry), explicit teaching |
Curriculum alignment |
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Curriculum connections | Numeracy |
Strand and focus | Geometry, Build understanding, Apply understanding |
Topics | Angles and geometric reasoning |
AC: Mathematics content descriptions |
ACMMG220
Use the enlargement transformation to explain similarity and develop the conditions for triangles to be similar
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National numeracy learning progression |
Understanding geometric properties
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UGP5
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Copyright details |
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Organisation | reSolve Maths by Inquiry |
Copyright | © Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment 2021. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0. |
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