The objective of this lab is to examine the processes and goals of categorization.

Form groups of about four people each and read the CategoriesEdited document; I suggest reading it aloud.

1. Discuss with your group the following questions:

a. Why form categories?

b. What are goals/objectives for having a system of categories such as the system we came up with collectively based on the Geometry Walk Lab? Think first about categories for mathematical purposes and then more broadly.

c. Are there concerns we might have about categorizing?

2. Write your responses to the questions in #1 above and choose someone in your group to send those responses to me [jm]. In the e-mail, be sure to cc your group members.

3. Write the questions you have and choose one to share with the whole class; when you have done this, signal me [jm] that you are ready to bring your question to the class.

4. Discuss with your group the following question: What makes a category or system of categories in geometry good?

5. Write your responses to the questions in #4 above and choose someone in your group to send those responses to me [jm]. In the e-mail, be sure to cc your group members.

6. Write a revision of the CategoriesEdited document that reflects your group's discussion of the questions above.