Geometry for Parents
Overview
Geometry starts with a study of shapes and transformations with Algebra connections made at every opportunity (tile patterns, slope, parallel, perpendicular, etc.). Many middle school Geometry standards are built upon as students study angle measurements and triangles and by extended students’ understanding of volume and surface area concepts to the skill of construction. Students basic understanding of circles is also built upon as students explore angle relationships in circles and conics. The mathematical practice of using evidence to support a claim is studied through the concept of similarity and congruence as well as later in the year with quadrilaterals. Trigonometry and probability work lays the foundation for these concepts to be extended in Algebra 2.
Geometry starts with a study of shapes and transformations with Algebra connections made at every opportunity (tile patterns, slope, parallel, perpendicular, etc.). Many middle school Geometry standards are built upon as students study angle measurements and triangles and by extended students’ understanding of volume and surface area concepts to the skill of construction. Students basic understanding of circles is also built upon as students explore angle relationships in circles and conics. The mathematical practice of using evidence to support a claim is studied through the concept of similarity and congruence as well as later in the year with quadrilaterals. Trigonometry and probability work lays the foundation for these concepts to be extended in Algebra 2.
General Parent Tips for Supporting Students in High School Mathematics
- Talk about career choices, and investigate together what math is required for college or associates degree, a technical certificate, or possible on-the-job needs. Plenty of jobs use math, especially things like proportional reasoning and linear functions, jobs ranging from nursing to forestry to operations to accounting to computer-aided design to carpentry.
- Make sure your kids understand fractions and middle school math—especially proportional reasoning—super well. Work on real-world problems, in daily life etc. to reinforce these skills. Or for example, you can discuss financing their college, or have them imagine what their budget will be when they are 25 years old and discuss financing a car. Too often, arithmetic skills have been lost (because they were based on memorization and haven’t been reinforced) by the time kids get to college.
- Consider using resources such as Mathalicious or Dan Meyer 3-Act Tasks if you want enrichment or extra practice. Kahn Academy is working on Common Core skill practice as well.
- Enjoy math! It feels good to put some effort forward and figure something out. Work on your own to model this. See Carol Dweck’s work on mindset to understand how important attitudes towards effort and learning are.
From Bevans and Sinha, University of Oregon Department of Mathematics, October 2014