GETTING ALONG WITH PARALLELOGRAM Level: Grade 7 or 8 Objective: At the end of this activity, the students should be able

to construct a parallelogram and identify the different properties of a parallelogram. Materials: Geometers Sketch Pad Worksheet CONSTRUCTION I 1. Using the (Straightedge Tool), construct a segment. (Text Tool). (Point Tool) and label this point C.

2. Label the endpoints A and B, using the 3. Construct a point above, using the

4. Using the (Arrow Tool), construct a line through point C parallel to line-AB. Select line-AB and point C, and then choose Construct then Parallel Line.

(After following the steps above, your presentation must look like this.)

5. Construct line-AC using . 6. Construct a line through point B parallel to line-AC

7. Construct a point where the two lines intersect and label this point D.

(After following the steps above, your presentation must look like this.)

8. Select both lines and choose Display then Hide Parallel Lines. 9. Construct the missing segments CD and BD .

(After following the steps above, your presentation must look like this.) 10. Drag different vertices of your parallelogram to make sure its constructed properly. EXPLORATION I Drag different parts of the parallelogram and observe the measurements. A. Measure the sides

Measure the sides by selecting them and choosing Measure then Length. Write conjectures about the sides of a parallelogram.

B. Measure the angles To measure an angle, select three points with the vertex as the second point. Press and drag to make a selection rectangle as shown. Then choose Measure then Angle.

Write conjectures about the angles of a parallelogram.

CONSTRUCTION II 1. Construct the diagonals of the parallelogram. 2. Construct the point of intersection of the diagonals.

3. Label it point E.

EXPLORATION II
Drag parts of the parallelogram and observe the diagonals. Measure lengths that look as though they might be related. To measure a distance between two points, select the two points and then choose Measure then Distance.

Write a conjecture about the diagonals of a parallelogram.

Modified from 2009 Key Curriculum Press