Poly-gon to Black Bayou Lake
Title: Poly-gon to Black Bayou
Subject: Mathematics
Grade Level: 4 - 5
Overview:
After a study of polygons in class, students will travel to Black Bayou Lake refuge where they will connect the study of polygons to their real world application. After reading The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns, students will search for examples of polygons mentioned in the book. They will work in groups to capture the shapes with digital cameras and will use technology to create a book of their own about the shapes they have discovered.
Approximate Duration: 5 Sixty minute class periods
Content Standards:
Geometry
In problem-solving investigations, students demonstrate an understanding of geometric concepts and applications involving one-, two-, and three-dimensional geometry, and justify their findings.
Benchmarks:
G-2-E
identifying, describing, comparing, constructing, and classifying two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometric shapes using a variety of materials;
G-6-E
demonstrating the connection of geometry to the other strands and to real-life situations.
Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Geometry
Grade 4
29. Identify, describe the properties of, and draw circles and polygons (triangle, quadrilateral, parallelogram, trapezoid, rectangle, square, rhombus, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, and decagon) (G-2-E)
Interdisciplinary Connections:
English/Language Arts : Standard 2
Students write competently for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Educational Technology Standards:
Use a variety of developmentally appropriate resources and productivity tools (e.g., logical thinking programs, writing and graphic tools, digital cameras, graphing software) for communication, presentation, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.
Use technology tools (e.g., publishing, multimedia tools, and word processing software) for individual and for simple collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities for a variety of audiences.
Demonstrate the operations of a computer (e.g., touch-keyboarding skills, save, organize and back-up files) and other peripheral devices (scanner, digital and video cameras, VCR, laser disc player) at an intermediate level.
Objectives:
1. TLW identify polygons of 3 -12 sides.
2. TLW use a digital camera appropriately.
3. TLW create original booklet using appropriate technology.
Lesson Materials and Resources:
The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns
checklist
pencils
clipboards
binding materials
bucket of polygonal shapes
Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
computers
digital cameras
Software:
Microsoft Word
KidPixWebsites:
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
Background Information:
The students should be able to identify polygons of 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12 sides. They should be competent in using Microsoft Word and KidPix.
Lesson Procedures:
1. After classroom instruction and experiences with polygons including the viewing the Virtual Manipulatives website, http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html, students will travel to Black Bayou Lake Refuge.
2.At the refuge the teacher will read The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns and discuss changes in the Greedy Triangle.
3. Students will choose a polygon from a bucket with like shapes forming a team of 3-4 students (depending on class size).
4.In teams the students will walk through the refuge and take pictures of polygons in the refuge environment checking them off a teacher made list.
5. After all teams have completed their task, they will come back together to discuss their findings. (If time allows students will complete their assignments in the educational building. If not, the task will be completed in the classroom.)
6. The students will upload the images from the digital camera into KidPix and outline the polygon they wish to emphasize.
7.Students will add text that will describe the polygons (sides, angles) and describe the environment in which they were found.
8. Each group will design and print a booklet of shapes from the environment and share them with other students.
Assessment Procedures:
Assessment will be made using rubrics produced by RubiStar. The teacher will monitor and make observations of students' work.
Accommodations/Modifications:
Consult each student's IEP or IAP for modifications.
----- written by Katherine Wells
Reproducible Materials:
Poly-gon Checklist
Poly-gon to the Bayou Rubric
Explorations and Extensions:
Using the shapes and pictures, create a story about the shapes in the environment.
Lesson Development Resources:
RubiSTAR
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
Contact Information:
Kathy Wells
katherine.wells@mcschools.net
J. S. Clark Elementary SchoolBlack Bayou Lake Home | Curriculum Materials | Resources | Black Bayou Lake NWR | Monroe City Schools
