In Fishtank Math Geometry, students further their understanding of geometric relationships and learn to make formal mathematical arguments about geometric situations. This course, which follows the Common Core standards for Geometry and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, takes a somewhat different approach from more traditional Geometry classes in its heavy emphasis on transformation. Transformations are used to help students understand and prove congruence and other geometric relationships. There is also a strong emphasis on proofs: students learn to prove concepts and ideas they have been learning about for years. Class time focuses on six main topics 1) establishing criteria for congruence of triangles based on rigid motions; (2) establishing criteria for similarity of triangles based on dilations and proportional reasoning; (3) informally developing explanations of circumference, area, and volume formulas; (4) applying the Pythagorean Theorem to the coordinate plan; (5) proving basic geometric theorems; and (6) extending student work with probability. (See Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.) Because Fishtank Math seeks to offer students a pathway to study Calculus in their senior year, this Geometry course also covers advanced standards that are sometimes covered in advanced math and pre-calculus courses.
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