Lesson 4

In the previous lesson, students were introduced to the terms “translation,” “rotation,” and “reflection.” In this lesson, students understand that:

• A translation is determined by two points that specify the distance and direction of the translation.
• A rotation is determined by a point, angle of rotation, and a direction of rotation.
• A reflection is determined by a line.

These moves are called transformations for the first time and students draw images of figures under these transformations. They also study where shapes go under sequences of these transformations and identify the steps in a sequence of transformations that takes one figure to another. Note the subtle shift in language. In the previous lesson, one shape “moves” to the other shape—it is as if the original shape has agency and does the moving. In this lesson, the transformation “takes” one shape to the other shape—this language choice centers the transformation itself as an object of study.

Students using the print version may make use of tracing paper to experiment moving shapes. Students using the digital version have access to geogebra applets with which to perform transformations. Whenever students choose to make use of an appropriate tool, they are engaging in MP5. Students are also likely starting to begin thinking strategically about which transformations will take one figure to another, identifying properties of the shapes that indicate whether a translation, rotation, reflection or sequence of these will achieve this goal (MP7).

Print and cut up cards from the Make that Move blackline master. Prepare 1 set of cards for every 4 students.