Math Lab Activity

– Get the Angle on Pool 

Objective:

To practice identifying and drawing polygons on a pool table while understanding the concepts of acute, obtuse, and right angles.

Materials Needed:

• Reproducible worksheet “Get the Angle on Pool”
• Colored pencils or markers
• Pool table diagram (provided by the teacher)
• Ruler (optional)

Introduction to Polygons and Angles:
Today, we will be exploring polygons and angles on a pool table. First, let’s review some important concepts:

• Polygon: A polygon is a closed shape with straight sides. It can have three or more sides. Some examples of polygons are triangles, quadrilaterals (like rectangles and squares), pentagons, hexagons, and more.
• Angle: An angle is formed when two lines meet or intersect. We can classify angles based on their measures:

  – Acute Angle: An acute angle measures between 0 and 90 degrees.
  – Obtuse Angle: An obtuse angle measures between 90 and 180 degrees.
  – Right Angle: A right angle measures exactly 90 degrees.

– Polygons on the Pool Table: You will be drawing polygons on the pool table using the corners formed by the 6 pockets or the 12 diamond markings.

Instructions:

Drawing Polygons on the Pool Table:
– Print the “Get the Angle on Pool” reproducible worksheet.
– On the pool table diagram provided on the worksheet, draw polygons by connecting the corners formed by the pockets or diamond markings.
– Use different colored pencils or markers to distinguish between the types of polygons and angles.
– Aim to draw as many different polygons as you can, making sure to include a variety of sides (triangles, quadrilaterals, etc.).
– Pay attention to the angles formed by the sides of your polygons. Classify them as acute, obtuse, or right angles based on their measures.

Sample Polygon and Angle:
Here’s an example to get you started:
– Draw a triangle by connecting any three corners on the pool table.
– Label the angles within the triangle as acute, obtuse, or right based on their measurements.

Exploring Different Polygons:
– Experiment with drawing various polygons on the pool table using different corners.
– Remember to classify the angles within each polygon as acute, obtuse, or right.

Know Your Polygons! (Optional):
– Take a look at the “Know Your Polygons!” box on the worksheet.
– Try to draw polygons that match the descriptions and examples provided in the box.

Have fun exploring polygons and angles on the pool table! Use your creativity and observation skills to draw and identify as many different polygons and angles as possible.

Ignite Your Mathematical Mind:

• Once you’ve drawn and labeled several polygons on the pool table, take a moment to reflect on the different types of angles you encountered.
• Discuss what you’ve learned about polygons and angles during this activity.