Types of Triangles
- There are three types of triangles.
- Each type has 3 sides, 3 angles (created by two sides) and 3 vertices (the point where 2 sides meet).
- Each type will be created using straws and string then labeled.
Materials: Straws, string, scissors, paper, pencil
Please read about straws at the end of the blog.
There are 3 types of triangles to make.
- Equilateral Triangle
- Isosceles Triangle
- Scalene Triangle
Make each triangle with straws
Equilateral Triangle: Read the instructions before you begin.
- Cut three straws the same length using the same color.
- Unwind the amount of string you think you will need. Do not cut the string. Push the string into the 3 straws.
- Lay the work flat and form the triangle.
- Make sure you have enough string on both ends to make knots.
- Cut the string and tie three knots.
- Isosceles Triangle: Read the instructions before you begin.
- Cut 2 straws the same length using the same color.
- Cut 1 straw that is shorter in length and choose a different color.
- Follow instructions 2, 3, 4, & 5 above.
- Scalene Triangle Read the instructions before you begin.
- Cut 3 straws in 3 different lengths using three different colors.
- one long, one medium, and one short.
- Follow instructions 2, 3, 4, & 5 for the Equilateral triangle.
Record your work.
- Make one large title label for the whole work. Kinds of Triangles
- Make a name label for each kind of triangle.
- Equilateral Triangle, Isosceles Triangle, Scalene Triangle
- Place the name next to the triangle or above it.
- Place the title above the 3 names and triangles
- Have your work checked.
Extension:
- Spelling words to master: type, triangle, sides, angles, vertex, vertices, equilateral, isosceles, scalene
- Make a Sorting Game.
- Make 1-3 small triangles, 1-3 large triangles and 1-3 medium size triangles of each type. Small could be described as tiny, medium as average, and large as the biggest one that can be made with the straws available.
- Choose a level of difficulty for your game.
- To make it easy to sort, use one color of straws to make all the triangles of one kind (the small, medium and large). The color of each is a clue.
- To make it more difficult to sort, use a different color of straws for each size (the small, medium and large) of each kind of triangle. The color is not a clue.
- To make it very difficult to sort, use a different color for each side of each type of triangle and for each different size.
- Put 3 straws on a string and make one knot. If you like it, tie 3 knots and trim off the string. If not, open the knot and try again.
- Set up the labels like you did to have your work checked.
- Put plenty of space between the names of the triangles. A lot of space will be needed for sorting.
- Place the examples you made under the correct name.
- Mix up all of your sorting triangles and put them on a tray, in a basket, or just pile them up to the left of the labels and examples.
- Invite your family to sort the triangles.
- Check their work.
- Invite the family to check the work with you. Correct each type separately so that each triangle gets placed with those it matches.
- Decide what to do with your triangles.
- Cut them all apart and use the straws to build Polyhedrons.
- Go to https://montessoriartmentor.com
- Click on curriculum, click on Art Forms II, click on Polyhedrons. Scroll through the lessons and choose.
- Store the straws in a plastic bag to be creatively used later.
- Cut the straw into little pieces and put them on a string to make a necklace. When it is long enough to put over your head cut the string and make 3 knots and trim.
- Cut them all apart and use the straws to build Polyhedrons.
Note: If you are throwing the straws away, cut the straws into little pieces. That way animals, especially birds, will not get hurt if they find them.