Polygon Quicksort

Created by: Amy Mirlisena

Source:
This center concept is an adaptation of the following sources:
Polygon Capture Instructions link : http://illuminations.nctm.org/lesson.aspx?
id=665

Sorting Cards link:

http://illuminations.nctm.org/uploadedFiles/Content/Lessons/Resources/68/665-AS-GameCards.pdf
Polygon Shape Pieces :
http://illuminations.nctm.org/uploadedFiles/Content/Lessons/Resources/68/665-AS-GamePolygons.pdf
Hula Hoop Sorting instructions link: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/3862
Domain:
Reason with shapes and their attributes
3.G.A.1
Standard: 1. Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles,
and others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and that the shared attributes can
define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize rhombuses, rectangles, and
squares as examples of quadrilaterals, and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not
belong to any of these subcategories.
Materials:

Deck of Category Cards

Cut out Polygon shape cards
2 Hula Hoops
Timer
Ipad/Sorting Results Assessment Sheet

Description:
Students are given an assortment of shapes with alphabetic labels and a deck on geometric
categories. The station will have two hula hoops set up as a large interactive venn diagram.
Students will draw two cards from the deck and place one above each hoop. Based upon the
categories drawn, students will work together and race the clock (2 minute time limit per
round) to sort all of the polygons in the venn diagram. If the shape cannot be sorted in the

venn diagram it should be placed outside of the diagram perimeter. This process should be
repeated until time at the center is up. (approx. 5 times per center rotation).
Prior Instruction:
Center will be modeled and scaffolded before students interact independently with the
station. A step by step instruction sheet will be provided at the station as well to provide
additional guidance.
Differentiation:
There are countless ways to differentiate this station. The following are a few ideas on how
to differentiate for different needs and exceptionalities:
Content:

Deliberate categories removed or added to target assessment of understanding

Time element removable/extendable

Cheat sheet with polygon definitions and attributes
Color Coated Cards corresponding with hoops.
Hula hoops removed and venn diagram mats used for less kinetic distraction

More or less polygons to sort

Process:

Product:
Environment:

Homogeneous center groups to target skill sets

SIngle Player sets without time limit to assess individual skill and ability
Silent sorting time for the first minute and debate box for all blocks in question to

discuss in the second minute of time to help with noise control and chaos.
ELL:

Pictures used in instruction/ instruction sheet

Prior instruction of center includes modeling and scaffolding
Homogeneous grouping with ability level
Cheat sheet includes example pictures of shapes

Assessment:
Depending on accessibility,. students will either be responsible for taking pictures of their
sorts on the classroom ipad or recording at least two of their geometric sorts on a sorting
results sheet provided at the station.

Polygon Quicksort Center

Materials Check :

INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1:

Draw two cards from the deck and place one above each hoop.

Step 2:

Read each card carefully.

Step 3:

Spread out all of the polygon cut outs on the floor.

Step 4:

Set the timer for 2 minutes

Step 5:

Race the clock to correctly sort ALL of the polygons correctly in the Venn

Diagram.

Step 6:

Record at least two of your polygon sorts on each of your Polygon Sort

Recording Sheets.

Step 7:

Clear the Venn Diagram and Repeat the process starting with step 1.

Venn Diagram Tips:

If a polygon only has characteristics of one category place it in that
hula hoop only.
If a polygon does not fit any any category, it should be placed outside
of the hula hoop venn diagram.
If a polygon shares characteristics of both categories it should be
placed in the center of both of the hula hoops.