Comparing properties of quadrilaterals

Show a set of quadrilaterals.

Four different quadrilaterals.

Ask students to choose two shapes that seem to belong together. What are some things that are the same about that pair of shapes? What are some differences between them? Encourage students to consider:

• sides
• angles
• diagonals
• orientation
• symmetry
• relationships between the sides (e.g. parallel or perpendicular)
• relationships between angles.

Discuss what changes would be needed to make the two shapes the same.

The activity could be used with other sets of shapes and other objects.