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Try Tessellation
Most middle schoolers probably feel that quilting is at best an activity left to their grandmothers. This lesson uses the Zome modeling system to get them to realize how shapes in quilting are really tessellations and repeating patterns....
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Rainbow Fish Drawing
First graders read the book, RAINBOW FISH and view a few pictures of different types of fish. They discuss putting certain shapes together make up objects and talk about and demonstrate straight and wavy lines, thick and thin lines....
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Line Symmetry and Rotational Symmetry
Fifth graders investigate the symmetry of pattern block shapes. Students, working in groups determine whether each shape has line symmetry, rotational symmetry or both kinds of symmetry. Students determine how many lines of symmetry the...
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The Fibonacci Sequence
Students investigate a numerical pattern and look for evidence of mathematical patterns in nature. They solve puzzles and work with a partner to predict sequential numbers in a series.
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Can You Build It?
Students investigate the concept of perimeter. They design there own figure and measure the perimeter of it. The lesson is given the context of the shape being a path that is traveled by a ladybug. This provides the shape of the plane...
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Math-Geometry: Area and Perimeter
Upper graders measure the area and perimeter of several items. In this area and perimeter instructional activity, learners engage in measuring area and perimeter in several scenarios. Full-group instruction requires students to listen to...
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A Honey of a Hexagon
Learners explore how bees make honey and why the hexagon is the best basic pattern for the honeycomb through the use of a video and hands-on activities with honeycombs and geometric shapes.
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Twists and Turns
Students reflect, rotate, translate, and dilate figures in the Cartesian coordinate plane using grid paper and dot paper. They use transformations (i.e., reflections, translations, rotations, and dilations) to describe geometric patterns...
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Exploring Optical Movement in Art
Students describe, represent and analyze patterns and relationships using shapes. They create simple geometric patterns. They demonstrate increasing technical ability and skill to complete visual arts assignments.
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Lines of Symmetry
Students practice dance to divide the space or body shape into equal sections to create symmetry in dance. In this symmetry lesson, students practice symmetrical and asymmetrical movements in dance. Students participate in move and...
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Tangrams
Students construct tangram pieces. Then they make observations and explore patterns with the pieces.
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Nature Walk
Students participate in a mini field trip around the neighborhood to observe nature and changes that are occurring during fall. They collect leaves of various colors, shapes and sizes on their trip. Upon return to the classroom, they...
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Lines of Symmetry - Mirror Dance
Fifth graders analyze how to divide space or shape into mirror sections to create lines of symmetry. In this lines of symmetry lesson, 5th graders discuss symmetry in dance, math, and living. Students participate in a dance warm-up and...
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Data Lesson Vital Information
Students prepare and collect data and use excel and create a graph. They collect data about the number of pattern blocks that are put on tables. Students then record that data in Excel.
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Graphing Greenery
Middle schoolers gather leaves and trace them on graph paper. They plot coordinates that approximate the shape of the leaves and share those coordinates as "worksheets" for other students to complete.
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Bridging Communication
Learners investigate how to create drawings using a word processing program. They examine the use of draw tools in Microsoft Word. They combine drawing with the patterns they made for a truss bridge projects. They follow the teacher's...
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Henri Matisse Collage
First graders explore the work of Henri Matisse. They use shapes to create a collage. Students create texture in their collage by using various types of papers and they study how to use various materials to make one unified piece of art.
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Searching for Angles and Lines
Middle schoolers work to find and reinforce concepts related to lines and angles. They identify the characteristics of shapes that have one, two, and three dimensions. The students also work on definitions related to the geometry of shapes.
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Looking at Leaves Lesson 1
Fourth graders visit an outdoor area and compare/contrast two different leaves using Venn diagrams. They create tree leaf rubbings from their leaves and examine their vein structures or needle patterns.
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Clifford Goes to School and So Do We!
Students use the story, "Clifford Goes to School," to investigate the value of rules as a means of keeping them safe. Following step-by step directions, the rules are placed on patterns and which are worn home.
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Paper Clay Fish Sculpture
Why not get creative and use paper clay to create colorful fish sculptures? All the steps needed to complete this activity are included. Your class will sculpt beautiful fish while exploring color, shape, and creative thinking. Use these...
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A Walk Around the School: Mapping Places Near and Far
After reading Pat Hutchins’ Rosie’s Walk, have your young cartographers create a map of Rosie’s walk. Then lead them on a walk around the school. When you return class members sequence the walk by making a list of how the class got from...
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Sponge Painting
Sponge painting is a technique that is fun for learners of all ages and it can be adapted to fit a variety of skill levels and subjects. Here, little ones use sponges and paint to make geometric patterns. Tip: Sponges can be cut into...
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Tissue Paper Butterfly
Creating butterfly art is as simple as 1-2-3. Kids cut coffee filters into butterfly shapes. Next, they wet and place squares of tissue paper onto the filters. Fifteen minutes later, they lift the tissue to reveal a colorful pattern...