Context:

I have written three math lessons that build on each other to further learning by taking advantage of previous knowledge. The first lesson deals with perimeter by measuring around islands on a map using yarn and a ruler. This is to instruct students on ways to measure, the processes of measuring, as well as familiarity with metric units. The second lesson deals with the scale of maps. The students take the information that they have learned about the perimeter of islands and transpose that into the realm of scale. Students find the actual perimeter of an island using the scale and the perimeter of the island's representation on a map. The final lesson is a culmination of these concepts in addition to teamwork and problem solving.

Impact:

During these three lesson the students gain the practical knowledge of measurement and map scale. However, they also learn the content in the sphere of hands-on activities and real-life examples. Because the students are actually measuring an island on a map, they can relate this experience to any map the may encounter in the future. They know how to measure but they also know why to measure and when it would be appropriate. Also, they gain a much more intimate knowledge of maps when they actually conceptualize the difference between a map and what it represents. Students often don't understand information on a map because they do not understand what maps are for and what they can be used for. This lesson helps students get a grasp on these ideas.

Alignment:

These lessons align to three indicators of Standard 2. They align to Indicator 1 by incorporating a great deal of basic operations including addition and multiplication. The students cannot find the perimeter of on actual island when they are given the perimeter on a map unless they are skilled in multiplication. They also must explain why these operations are appropriate and what they really mean in the situation. These also align to Indicator 2 because I have written these lessons concerning simple geometrical figures and the measurement thereof. Students must use rulers as well as yarn to find the perimeter of the islands. These also align to Indicator 3 these lessons illustrate my familiarity with the patterns involved in scale. For example, if a map has a scale of 2:300, every time I can find 2 centimeters on the map there are 300 centimeters in real life. This relates to all scale models.