Match My Angle!

In fourth grade, we are currently in our lines and angles unit. In this unit, students have been identifying, classifying, and reading angles using a protractor. This week during DEB (Differentiated Engagement Block) students used their math vocabulary to build angles with a partner using the cooperative learning structure, Match Mine.

Match Mine is a Kagan cooperative learning structure; Kagan structures emphasize active student participation and collaboration in the learning process. In Match Mine, students are using, as well as working on, their verbal communication skills. For this structure, partners sat on opposite sides of a barrier. One partner, "the Sender," built an angle using lines and a protractor. The other partner, "the Receiver," tried to match the sender's angle, using only the sender's verbal directions. 

During this activity, I heard the senders describing their angle using vocabulary they've learned in the unit: 

"My angle is less than 90 degrees, but greater than 80 degrees." 

"My angle is an obtuse angle, between 100 and 115 degrees." 

"My angle contains perpendicular lines." 

 Once the sender finished their verbal directions, partners compared the outcome, praised one another, and switched roles. Fourth graders did not want to stop building angles and working with their partners!