Contextualization

Have you ever stopped to think about how many quadrilateral shapes are around us? There are a lot of objects, geometric shapes and constructions that have quadrilateral shapes. Squares, rectangles, trapezoids, in short, quadrilaterals are present in our daily lives in different shapes and sizes.

Introduction to the Topic

Quadrilaterals are geometric figures formed by four points (vertices) on a plane that are connected by four line segments (sides) that intersect two by two, forming four internal angles. The sum of the internal angles of any quadrilateral is 360°. Quadrilaterals can be of various types, depending on their characteristics, such as rectangle, square, trapezoid, rhombus, among others.

Within geometry, the classification of quadrilaterals is done according to the characteristics of their sides and angles, allowing a better understanding of the properties of each type of quadrilateral. The study and understanding of the concepts involved with quadrilaterals offer a solid basis for the study of geometry in a more general way, allowing students a better appreciation and understanding of the patterns and structures found in nature and human creations.

Importance and application of Quadrilaterals

Quadrilaterals are extremely useful in many branches of science and engineering. For example, in graphic design and architecture, quadrilaterals are often used to create attractive designs and layouts. Building buildings and bridges also depends heavily on understanding the properties of quadrilaterals to ensure their stability and safety.

In addition, many everyday objects, such as books, computer and cell phone screens, frames, cards, are quadrilateral formats. Understanding the properties and characteristics of quadrilaterals can help us understand and appreciate the world around us in a deeper and more complete way.

Practical Activity: "Building the World of Quadrilaterals"

Project Objective

The project aims to deepen students' knowledge about quadrilaterals, through their recognition and classification, and the construction of different types of quadrilaterals using tangible materials. In addition, the project aims to develop socio-emotional skills such as time management, communication, problem solving, creative thinking and proactivity.

Project Description

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5, will have to create a miniature city using different types of quadrilaterals. This city should include houses, buildings, parks, streets and any other elements that students deem relevant. Each element of the city must be associated with a specific type of quadrilateral.

Required Materials

1. Cardboard or cardstock in various colors
2. Ruler
3. Compass
4. Scissors
5. Glue
6. Pencil and pen
7. A4 paper for reports

Project Step by Step

1. Each group must plan their city. This planning should include the elements that will make up the city and the types of quadrilaterals that will be used.

2. Students should then draw the different elements of the city on cardboard or card stock, using the ruler and compass to ensure the accuracy of the quadrilaterals.

3. After drawing, students should cut out the elements and assemble the city.

4. At the end of the construction, each group must present the city to the class, explaining the different types of quadrilaterals used and their characteristics.

5. After the presentation, each group must produce a written report on the project, according to the guidelines below.

Project Deliverables

Students should submit two main items:

1. The miniature city built.

2. A written report on the project, divided into four sections:

   • Introduction: Contextualizing the theme of quadrilaterals, their relevance and application in the real world, and the objective of the project. Define what a quadrilateral is and the different types of quadrilaterals that were used.

   • Development: Explaining the theory behind the classification of quadrilaterals, detailing the activity performed and the materials used. Provide a detailed description of the city created, indicating which quadrilaterals were used and where. Discuss any difficulties encountered and how they were resolved.

   • Conclusion: Recapitulating the main points and making explicit the lessons learned and conclusions about the project. Comment on what led to the choice of the quadrilaterals used and discuss the importance of teamwork.

   • Bibliography: Indicating the sources that were used to substantiate the work and the understanding of the subject.

Remember: this report should be a reflection of the work of the entire group. Therefore, everyone should contribute to its elaboration.