The Wooden Equivalent Figure Material Complete Set is an affordable version of the unique Montessori math material, Equivalent Figures Material. Equivalent Figures Material allows learners to explore the concept of equivalences by deconstructing shapes to create new shapes that can be used for measuring areas.
Children ages 6-9 are familiar with congruent, similar, or equivalent shapes. They worked on comparing shapes using the Squares and Rectangles materials. This material transitions learners from Constructive Triangles to Equivalent Figures, which is introduced in the upper elementary years. This material is unique; it helps demonstrate area measurement formulas. It demonstrates how quadrilaterals with the same base and height are equivalent. It also shows how a trapezoid or any regular polygon can be split into parts and reconstructed into a rectangle easily measurable. These demonstrations fascinate learners who get a concrete experience with the materials. Suddenly, formulas are understood on a whole new level.
Bottom: Proving that Any Regular Quadrilaterals
with Same Base and Height have Same Area
While presenting the lessons is part of the guide’s role, further engaging with the materials can be delegated to our new set of Task Cards, Equivalent Figure Material. In this post, we use our homeschooling wooden version of the material, which is also available in metal for classroom purposes. We wanted to extend access to this material to families who would like to support their children with unique Montessori math materials.
Materials
- Wooden Equivalent Figure Material (Home Schooling) – Complete Set
- Wooden Equivalent Figure Material (Home Schooling)
- Equivalent Figure Material (Task Cards)
- Equivalent Figure Material
Optional: Insets for Metal Squares and Rectangles, Metal Squares and Rectangles Task Cards (Printed), Wooden Squares and Rectangles (Homeschool)
Equivalent Figure Material & Task Cards
Equivalent Figure Material Task Cards consist of 28 task cards divided into four sections which are presented below.
Section one
Section 1 revisits all the shapes encountered in the Equivalent Figure Material: square, rectangle, parallelogram, rhombus, trapezoid, triangle, pentagon, and decagon. The preparatory section ensures that learners are equipped with the appropriate language for the work to avoid confusion and interfere with cognitive tasks.
Section two
Section 2 elicits answers by inviting learners to explore the concrete materials. This process encourages learners to think flexibly. For instance, a rhombus can be constructed with two equilateral triangles; a pentagon can be formed with isosceles triangles.
Section three
In this section, learners construct various shapes using triangles: a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, a pentagon, and a decagon. They also explore the physical aspect of the formula for measuring the area of a trapezoid: (a+b) / 2 x h.
Section Four
In this section, learners revisit parts of various shapes by drawing and measuring minor and major bases. They also compare shapes and characteristics that define them as congruent, similar, or equivalent.
There is enough work to inspire learners to continue exploring the Equivalent Figure Material. The material contains open space for learners to compare and contrast shapes and to make conclusions based on their own observations. We hope you can inspire your learners to continue exploring this material independently using our Task Cards!
into a Measurable Rectangle
a Measurable Rectangle
to Host Deconstructed Shapes
We proudly design and manufacture our complete set of Equivalent Figures Material in our facility in Mahwah, NJ! For more authentic and affordable Montessori materials, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
