Pieces of Proof Activity

Proof kits are created in a "puzzle" form. The students must put the pieces together to form a correct proof. Then the students are expected to explain how they made their decisions. This activity is useful after an introduction of proofs.

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Pieces of Proof Activity

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

By the end of this lesson students will:

  • Identify the properties that exist in a given figure
  • Apply postulates and theorems to a figure to build a formal proof
Essential and guiding questions: 
  • Explain how working backwards from what you are trying to prove can be helpful in developing a proof.
  • Explain why it is necessary to label corresponding parts of congruent figures in the same order.
  • How does having each statement and each reason written on separate strips of paper help you build the proof?
  • If you had to choose between being given just the statements or just the reasons, which would you prefer? Why?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 
  • Provide proof kits that contain only statements. Students have to determine the reasons as well as write out the proof.
  • Provide students with proof kits that contain extraneous statements or reasons. Students have to identify which statements or reasons are not needed for the proof as well as write out the proof.
  • Provide students with proof kits that have some statements or reasons missing. Students have to supply the missing pieces as well as write out the proof.

Helpful Hints

  • Proof kits consisting of envelopes with the statement and reason strips and diagrams inside. If you use all the proofs, you'll want to print copies of each proof on different colored paper to help keep them separate.
  • Scissors
  • Poster paper and markers (optional)

References

Contributors: 
Eric Istre
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation