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Zome System
Get hundreds of interactive activity plans using the Zome Modeling System. Among dozens of lessons, a first exposure to similar triangles can be very visual for the learner. Here, young geometers explore the number of different shapes...
Illustrative Mathematics
Use Cavalieri’s Principle to Compare Aquarium Volumes
Learners are designing a stunning new water feature for an aquarium, but they soon discover that more than just a pretty home for their fishy friends is required. From calculating the volume of a composite shape through the...
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Shape It
Fourth graders use math software and geoboard paper to design basic shapes. They write individual definitions for the geometric shapes based on what they see in the shapes. They apply their background knowledge of the shape as they write...
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Marshmallow Figures
Learners enjoy making 3-D figures while learning about rectangular prisms, pyramids, vertices, edges, and faces. After a lecture/demo, students use marshmallows, toothpicks and a worksheet imbedded in this lesson to create 3 dimensional...
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Scenario Challenge
Students create a quilt, using different patterns. In this geometry lesson, students apply prior knowledge as they use different patterns to help them create a quilt using transformations and geometric shapes.
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Polyhedra
Students analyze convex polyhedra through hands on methods. For this geometrical shapes lesson, students construct paper models of convex polyhedra and identify the different properties including the number of sides, faces and edges.
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This Is My Home
Students listen to a read aloud of Mary Ann Hoberman's A House Is a House for Me before discussing the meaning of habitats and the different types of homes that people live in. Next, they pretend to be architects and design a home for...
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Picket Fence Around the Garden
Students design different shaped plots and determine the perimeter, area and shape of each. They compare the shapes that have the same area but may have different perimeters.
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Cubic Unit Models
Fourth graders find the volume of solids. In groups, 4th graders use spinners to determine the dimensions of solids. They construct the shapes, creating a model of the figure Students count the cubes in the model to determine the...
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Geodesic Dome
Students build geodesic domes using newspaper after watching a video about the architectural concepts used in building domes. They decide which geometric shapes can be used to build the strongest building.
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Spacemobiles
Aspiring astronauts construct a space vehicle using cylinders, cones, spheres, and rectangular prisms. This is an engaging method of learning about three-dimensional shapes. Note that the word cylinder is constantly misspelled in the...
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Functions
Fifth graders explore mathematics functions. In this functions lesson, 5th graders explore 1 and 2-step functions involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students also practice solving problems that their...
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What a View!
Students examine two- and three-dimensional shapes and figures. Individually, they practice identifying the shape from various viewpoints. By completing this activity, they develop a spatial sense about how figures and shapes are...
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Analyzing 3-D Shapes and 2-D Representations
Students can analyze 3-D objects better with actual physical models and by also drawing 2-D representations of them.
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Polygons in Real Life
Fourth graders identify and label different types of polygons in real life situations. Using a digital camera, they take pictures of polygons on the school grounds, tally the number of shapes found, and answer discussion questions.
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I've Seen That Shape Before
Students identify geometric solids. In this shape lesson plan, students explore the characteristics of geometric solids. They locate pictures of shapes on the internet, and identify the shapes. Students draw pictures of...
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Geometric Basketball Court
Young scholars calculate the area and perimeter of a basketball court. In this geometry lesson plan, students differentiate between similarity and congruence of geometric objects. They test conjectures and use it to solve problems.
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"School Shape Scavenger Hunt"
Students, in groups, venture onto the schoolground on a scavenger hunt for shapes. They are given tasks: recorder, team leader, presenter, reporter, and behavior guidelines and a time limit. They search the school for shapes found in...
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Classifying Pyramids
Students study pyramids. In this prisms lesson, students explore the attributes of pyramids. Students will explore the lateral surface area of pyramids and be able to distinguish pyramids from other space shapes.
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Shape City
Students add to a class Shape City by designing and constructing new buildings.
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Explore Three-Dimensional Shapes
Students are assigned to shape groups and explore three-dimensional shapes. They review math skills and two-dimensional shapes.
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
Rep Tiles
In addition to the catchy title, this lesson plan provides upper graders an opportunity to more closely scrutinize the attributes of plane figures. In particular, they focus on the similarity of different shapes. Both whole-class and...
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Sphere Dressing
Geometric design makes a fashion statement! Challenge learners to design a hat to fit a Styrofoam model. Specifications are clear and pupils use concepts related to three-dimensional objects including volume of irregular shapes and...
Inside Mathematics
Conference Tables
Pupils analyze a pattern of conference tables to determine the number of tables needed and the number of people that can be seated for a given size. Individuals develop general formulas for the two growing number patterns and...