Mathematics
10th Grade
What Do Students Learn in Geometry?
In Fishtank Math Geometry, students further their understanding of geometric relationships and learn to make formal mathematical arguments about geometric situations. This course, which follows the Common Core standards for Geometry and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, takes a somewhat different approach from more traditional Geometry classes in its heavy emphasis on transformation. Transformations are used to help students understand and prove congruence and other geometric relationships. There is also a strong emphasis on proofs: students learn to prove concepts and ideas they have been learning about for years. Class time focuses on six main topics 1) establishing criteria for congruence of triangles based on rigid motions; (2) establishing criteria for similarity of triangles based on dilations and proportional reasoning; (3) informally developing explanations of circumference, area, and volume formulas; (4) applying the Pythagorean Theorem to the coordinate plan; (5) proving basic geometric theorems; and (6) extending student work with probability. (See Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.) Because Fishtank Math seeks to offer students a pathway to study Calculus in their senior year, this Geometry course also covers advanced standards that are sometimes covered in advanced math and pre-calculus courses.
Units
Unit 1
19 Lessons
Constructions, Proof, and Rigid Motion
Students use the properties of circles to construct and understand different geometric figures, and lay the groundwork for constructing mathematical arguments through proof.
Unit 2
18 Lessons
Congruence in Two Dimensions
Students identify, perform, and algebraically describe rigid motions to establish congruence of two dimensional polygons, including triangles, and develop congruence criteria for triangles.
Unit 3
18 Lessons
Dilations and Similarity
Students use constructions to explore dilations in order to define and establish similarity, and they prove and use similarity criterion and theorems in the solution of problems.
Unit 4
19 Lessons
Right Triangles and Trigonometry
Students develop an understanding of right triangles through an introduction to trigonometry, building an appreciation for the similarity of triangles as the basis for developing the Pythagorean theorem.
Unit 5
15 Lessons
Polygons and Algebraic Relationships
Students connect algebra to geometric concepts with polygons as they explore the distance formula, slope criteria for parallel and perpendicular lines, and learn to calculate and justify the area and perimeter of polygons.
Unit 6
18 Lessons
Three-Dimensional Measurement and Application
Students extend their understanding of circles, volume, and surface area into modeling situations, formula analysis, and deeper conceptual understandings.
Unit 7
14 Lessons
Circles
Students expand their knowledge of circles to establish relationships between angle measures in and around circles, line segments and lines in and around circles, and portions of circles as related to area and circumference.
Unit 8
10 Lessons
Probability
Students formalize their understanding of compound probability, develop an understanding of conditional probability, and understand and calculate permutations and combinations.
Foundations for Success
High school geometry builds on geometry instruction that has occurred throughout elementary and middle school but with the key difference that students must prove and explain concepts they learned about in prior years. In elementary school, students learned about the attributes of shapes, compared and categorized these attributes, and learned to compose and decompose shapes. In middle school, students developed conceptual understanding of angle relationships in parallel line diagrams and angle relationships within and outside of triangles. They have also learned to describe geometric features, measure circumference and area of circles, and make observations and conjectures about geometric shapes using sound reasoning and evidence. Students have learned to “construct” a triangle using different side lengths and that the properties of a triangle are based on the relationship between the side lengths and the interior angle measures. These foundational understandings will be essential to students’ success in this course as they build chains of reasoning to explain, model and prove geometric relationships and situations.
Geometry FAQs
What math skills do students learn in geometry?
In Geometry, students focus on 6 main topics: Congruence of triangles, criteria for similarity in triangles, explanations of geometric formulas, applying the Pythagorean Theorem, proving geometric theorem, and probability.
What Common Core Math Standards do students focus on in geometry?
The major work of the course focuses on the following Common Core State Standards:
- G.CO.B Understand congruence in terms of rigid motions
- G.CO.C Prove geometric theorems
- G.SRT.A Understand similarity in terms of similarity transformations
- G.SRT.B Prove theorems involving similarity
- G.SRT.C Define trigonometric ratios and solve problems involving right triangles
- G.GPE.B Use coordinates to prove simple geometric theorems algebraically
- G.MG.A Apply geometric concepts in modeling situations
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