The central idea of the lesson below is for students to apply geometric shapes to real-life things. This lesson is geared toward grades 2- 3, but can be modified for other grade levels. The mathematics taught is what shapes exist around us and what they look like. I chose this lesson because it ties into science. You can teach the students about natural disasters and show them illustrations of those events. You can make them more aware of these disasters, which may not exist around them. It would open up discussions about various topics. I also liked that it allows the children to express themselves through artwork. They have to expand their thinking to come up with other ideas.
I would make sure that the students worked in small groups, as the lesson indicates. This way they can brainstorm more ideas and learn to work together. One thing I would change would be the introduction of the lesson. Maybe early that week I would read fiction stories about natural disasters to get the students’ minds on the material. The next day I would have the discussion and show the pictures, and then the following day I would present the project to the students.
I think this lesson gives children an opportunity to apply math into the real world. Oftentimes people do not do that, and this provides a way for students to see how everyday objects are geometric shapes.
SHAPING DISASTER
Objective:
Students will examine shapes that are associated with natural disasters (i.e. zigzag for lightning, triangle for volcano) and then create a mobile based upon this theme.
What You Need:
What to Do:
Lesson plan from the website: http://eduplace.com/activity/dis_shape.html
*Graphic from Big Box of Art CD
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