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8th Math Lesson

Transformations: Reflections, Rotations, and Translations on the Coordinate Plane

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8th co teachBTC Style / Thinking ClassroomsKY.8.G.150 min
Learning Objective

Students will apply reflections, translations, and rotations to figures on the coordinate plane and describe the transformation using precise geometric language and coordinate rules (KY.8.G.1).

Lesson Overview

Students progress from identifying basic transformations to applying and composing multiple transformations on the coordinate plane, using vertical surfaces for collaborative discovery. Tasks change one variable at a time — from identifying to performing, from single to composed, from given rules to student-generated rules.

Materials

  • Vertical whiteboards or chart paper
  • Dry-erase markers (multiple colors)
  • Rulers or straightedges
  • Coordinate grid printed handouts (backup)
  • Random grouping tool
  • Sticky notes for gallery walk

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1
Triangle has vertices , , . Plot triangle on the coordinate plane. Then plot triangle A'B'C' where each point is shifted 4 units to the right. List the new coordinates. What happened to each coordinate?
2Task 2
Triangle has vertices , , . Now translate the triangle 4 units to the right AND 3 units down. List the new coordinates A', B', C'. Write the coordinate rule.

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