Walking Triangles

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Purpose

This is a Level 3 Geometry activity from the Figure It Out Series. 

A PDF of the student activity is included.

Achievement Objectives
GM3-5: Use a co-ordinate system or the language of direction and distance to specify locations and describe paths.
Student Activity

Click on the image to enlarge it. Click again to close. Download PDF (104 KB)

Specific Learning Outcomes
  • Drawing and interpreting directions and movement.
Required Resource Materials
  • Isometric dot paper
  • A dice
  • FIO, Level 3, Geometry, Walking Triangles, page 18
Activity

Discuss with the class and interpret the directions indicated in the diagram that Trevor Triangle is holding. The walks already illustrated should be a good basis for this discussion.

To further extend thinking, use questions such as:

  • What would Trevor Triangle have to throw to end up back where he started?
  • What would Trevor’s path be if he threw a 1, 2, 3, or 4 repeatedly?
  • What are all the possible paths Trevor could take if he threw a mixture of 1, 2, 3, or 4?

Students could physically walk out the paths taken by Trevor if they are having difficulties visualising the possible options.

Answers to Activity

  1. a. 4, 5, 4, 2
    b. 2, 4, 2, 4
    c. 5, 3, 1, 2 or 4, 6, 2, 2
    d. 1, 1, 4, 5 or 1, 5, 2, 1
  2. Answers will vary.
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Level Three