Algebra 1, Geometry
NEXT GENERATION SPACECRAFT
Decomposition of a figure into small shapes to estimate area
Students will decompose the cross section of a Crew Module into smaller shapes to estimate its area.
Prerequisites: Prior to this activity, students should have had experiences decomposing geometric figures (breaking figures into smaller shapes) and applying area formulas. Students should be familiar with using calculators in evaluating formulas.
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- decompose a larger geometric shape into smaller parts;
- apply the proper area formulas for various geometric shapes; and
- estimate the area of a complex geometric shape using decomposition and graphical methods.