Post 5

Geometry, It's all Greek to me!

How many of you feel that figuring out geometry some times feels like traveling in a foreign land, with the language unknown?  Well, as the saying goes geometry... "it's all Greek to me!"   This is true for a large number of people.  This is surprising to me since from such a young age children are delighted by shapes.  They are excited to point them out, color them in, fit them into the corresponding cut-out, or eat a sandwich that is cut into triangles.  From early on we have a fascination with shapes and how they fit in our world.  Somewhere along the way geometry turns into a foreign language, causing challenges and creating questions for many.

The word geometry comes from the Greek word "geo" and "metron,"  when put together it means "earth measure."  Over time the meaning has evolved into more general terms, stating that geometry is the branch of mathematics that treats the measurement, relationship, and properties of points, lines, angles, and figures in space.

The above definitions of geometry seem pretty straight forward.  So where does the challenge come in?  I believe it comes down to the curriculum that is taught.  When looking at the math curriculum there is a greater emphasis put on algebra than geometry.  Algebra is given 2 full years to lay foundations, calculate equations and build an understanding of algebraic mathematics.  Geometry has just as many theorems, calculations, and equations to master, but only given half of the time to accomplish it in.  Students are given a brief overview of geometry, at a rapid pace, thus never gaining the concrete understanding developed through practice and repeated application. 

Geometry is a vital part of our everyday lives.  Geometry plays a large part in many professions, such as: art, chemistry, medicine, physics, auto design, road construction, real estate transactions, computer graphics and  structural engineering, just to name a few.  With so many professions utilizing geometry, why are schools limiting the focus on this topic?

I may not be able to change the state standards or school curriculum in the near future, but as an educator I can help students get comfortable with geometry.  Please take the time to read the embedded  article  to get ideas on how to incorporate geometry into your classrooms and homes.  Have your children measure their rooms and calculate the area.  Let them use rulers and tape measures.  Have them estimate what they think the length is of objects are around your home or classroom.  Use this worksheet to have them record their information.  Or play games with them at different math websites.  There are many resources out there to help make geometry fun and exciting.  And in no time at all, it won't seem so Greek!

How to teach geometry

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Geometry is supposed to be easy

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Geometry math games