Home Forums Grades Pre K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

Mathematics Governor’s Institute 2003

Problem-in-a-Bag Template

(Download as Microsoft Word document: Geometric Solids in Our World)

Title of Project: Geometric Solids in Our World

Team Members: Carol Truehart, Nancy Chick, Patricia Kelly, Dolores Ide

Grade Level and/or Course: Kindergarten through Grade 3

Concept(s) Used: Geometry

PA Standard(s) Addressed:

2.9.3

Name and label geometric shapes in two and three dimensions (e.g., circle/sphere, square/cube, triangle/pyramid, rectangle/prism).

Find and describe geometric figures in real life.

NCTM Standard(s) Addressed:

Recognize geometric shapes and structures in the environment and specify their location.

Introduction/Applications:

Choose from the following activities.

What Am I? Put a cylinder, sphere, pyramid, cone, prism, and cube in a bag. A student reaches into the bag and picks one of the geometric solids. The student guesses what the geometric solid is prior to looking at it. They must tell why they thought it was that geometric solid.

Which One Does Not Belong? Teacher chooses three geometric solids such as a cone, a short cylinder, and a tall cylinder and sets them on the table. Students need to tell which geometric solid doesn’t belong and why.

Children will use their knowledge of geometric solids to identify objects in the room having the same geometric shape.

Take the children outside and, using a camera, take pictures of three-dimensional objects to display on a poster.

Question:

What are three-dimensional objects we find in the real world?

Model:

The teacher will have demonstration models of the following geometric solids:

Cylinder, sphere, pyramid, cone, prism, cube

Resources and Materials (estimated cost):

Demonstration models, picture chart (worksheet), children models (K – 2 given models; Grade 3 given nets to construct models), vocabulary flashcards, glue, paper for dictionaries, cameras (if doing that introduction lesson)

Estimated cost - $10.00

Procedures & Activities:

·	Grade 3 students will label and construct models.
·	All students will take models home and find objects in their real world to match the given shapes.
·	The students will complete the picture chart given to them.

Name:

Directions:

In each box, draw a picture (or find it in the magazine) of a three-dimensional object you found in your real world. Include at least four different solids.

The students will bring the pictures to school and use them to complete dictionaries.

Kindergarten – Class Big Book Dictionary

Grades 1 & 2 – Small Group Dictionaries

Grade 3 – Individual Dictionaries

A description of the solids will be written.

Kindergarten & Grade 1 – Group discussion, teacher written

Grades 2 & 3 – Student written

Answers/Rubric:

Rubric for Grade Three

All 8 pictures on correct dictionary pages.

At least 4 different solids represented.

6 complete descriptions of vocabulary terms.

4 – 7 pictures on correct dictionary pages.

4 – 5 complete descriptions of vocabulary terms.

0 – 3 pictures on correct dictionary pages.

0 – 3 complete descriptions of vocabulary terms.

Accommodations/Adaptations:

ESL:
·		Have flashcards with vocabulary in English and child’s native language that may be used throughout the lesson.
·		Provide small group support
Special Ed.:
·		Provide additional time.
·		Provide additional help in constructing models (3^rd grade)
·		Provide with individual set of vocabulary flashcards that may be used throughout lesson.
·		Provide parents with sheet listing vocabulary with picture and definition.
Enrichment:
·		Use the geometric shapes to create a community.
·		Allow children to construct three-dimensional geometric shapes using a variety of materials (i.e., straws & paper clips, rolled newspaper & tape).
Directions to construct a Geodesic Dome (rolled newspaper activity)
1.	You’ll need four sheets to make each newspaper log. Spread the sheets open flat, one on top of the other. Set a pencil in the corner, and roll across the diagonal. Use the pencil as a general guide to help you roll evenly; don’t try to make the logs as thin as the pencil. When you get to the other end of the paper, you’ll have a tube or log. Slip the pencil out and tape the log shut. Repeat this process until you have 25 logs. Then trim the ends, making sure all the logs are the same length (about 30 inches).
2.	At this point, you’ll need a big, open space to construct the dome. Staple three logs together to create a triangle. Repeat until you’ve constructed five triangles. You may want to reinforce them with heavy-duty tape.
3.	Staple the five triangles to each other at their bottom corners. Add connecting logs across the top. Then raise the triangles, or walls, off the floor and staple the ends together to form a pentagonal structure. It helps to have a few kids hold up the walls while you staple.
4.	Take the remaining five logs and staple them together at the center to make a star. Staple the free ends of the star to the junctions of the triangles on the top of the base, and the structure will stand by itself
5.	Now, if you want to get fancy, smear glue onto the roof logs and gently press pieces of colored tissue paper onto the roof triangles. Now you have an easy-to-do stained-glass effect for the roof.

Home Forums Grades Pre K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12