Nets Activity and Mathematics Hiding in the Nets Article
How could you use a similar activity with students in the classroom? Were you able to complete the activity without too much frustration? What are some anticipated issues while doing this activity with students?This is a great hands on activity that cost little to no money to do. To my surprise I had only made on mistake in my predictions and after realizing it I wondered how I tough it would make the topless cube in the first place.
Em, wouldn't this be a great money saver in our classroom?
I could visually see the shapes in my head but when it comes to listing attributes, I hesitate because I am afraid I do not exactly know what to list. Third-grader Morgan clarified my thinking. She is quoted in the article describing the nets as:
Each net has 6 squares, and all of them have at least 4 all together and 2 on each side.
If there were 3 in the middle and 3 on the side, it would not work. All nets have a
perimeter of 14 units. They can be arranged by flips and turns. All nets start as 2-D
shapes and become 3-D figures. The area of each net is 6 square units. The nets
all have 6 square faces to make a cube. (Jeon, 2009)
Euler’s formula vertices (V), edges (E), and faces (F) of a polyhedron (F + V = E + 2).
Textbook Reading
All the questions on page 60.
3. What can you do when the students in your classroom are at different van Hiele levels of thought? The first thing that comes to mind is differentiation. I could always give the students with high levels a more complex problem than the lower group. Alternatively, I could pair those who are at lower levels with the higher ones.
4. National Library of Virtual Manipulatives: What an awesome website. Some classrooms are not equipped with the manipulatives necessary to help students explore and understand math. It is however now protocol for all classrooms to have computers and Wi-Fi. (I do realize this is not everywhere) This website would be a great alternative. Students who have computers at home could practice using the manipulatives available. I also can use this website to teach my students concepts on the overhead.
Em, What did you think of this website and how would you use it in your classroom?
Spatial Readings
I too feel this is a very valuable skill. Not everyone is able to use spatial reasoning. I feel like you are born with skills you can just do with ease. It is as if they see the world differently without someone pointing it out. With practice and guidance, I believe everyone can learn this skill but for some people it just comes natural.
What do you think Em?
Building Plans
I found the PowerPoint very easy to follow and I accomplished every task with ease.
Annenberg
Did you find any of these activities challenging? If so, what about the activity made it challenging?
Trip on a train: It was very easy for me to compare the pictures to the map and see the order.
Plot Plans and Silhouettes: I had such a hard time visualizing this. After several tries I finial got the answer.
Shadows: I found it hard to see that the cube could cast a shadow that looks like a hexagon. Once the shadow moved around I saw it.
Why is it important that students become proficient at spatial visualization? At what grade level do you believe students are ready for visual/spatial activities? How can we help students become more proficient in this area?
I believe 2nd grade is a good time to start introducing visual/spatial activities. By introducing these concepts at an earlier age, students are more receptive to the possibilities.
Annenberg Tangrams Module and Creation of Manipulative
To be honest I started having problems as soon as I got to part B. I just could not see where to cut the shapes to make the other ones. I printed out the shapes even looked at the solutions to try to cut them. I really need to practice this a lot more.
Em, I hope you understand this more than I and can maybe meet with me? Help!!!!!!
\
I printed out “The Midline Theorem” to try to do part C but it is Greek to me. I need to get someone to physically show me how to do this.
Em, do you have any pointers you could pass along?
For further discussion
Informal recreational geometry is an important type of geometry in many childhood games and toys. Visit a toy store (or go to an online store) and make an inventory of early childhood toys and games that use geometric concepts. Discuss ways these materials might be used to teach the big ideas of early childhood geometry.
Wooden Geometric Stacker
Rings, octagons, and rectangles can be slotted onto the three rods, stacked on top of each other, or lined up to compare shapes, sizes, and colors. This first-concepts set is a manipulatives all-star!
Tangoes Jr. Magnetic Puzzle
Tangoes Jr. brings the fun, creativity and problem-solving challenges of Tangoes to a unique toy designed specifically for kids. With a large playing surface, seven magnetic puzzle pieces and recognizable puzzles, children can create 11 classic tangram images. All seven puzzle pieces store in the side drawer and All 12 puzzle cards store beneath the playing surface Integrated carry handle Two levels allow for more challenging puzzles as the child gets older.
This is a screenshot of one of the games on this website. I started to play and had to make myself stop. I will definitely go back and play again just to practice. I will also share it with my son.
I am always interested in the activities that students find challenging on the Annenberg website. You found the first one fairly easy while I continue to struggle while trying to find a solution. So fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHi Maryanne, we got through yet another module! Yay! With every post I think that my mathematical knowledge is getting stronger.
ReplyDeleteEm, wouldn't this be a great money saver in our classroom?
Anyone that knows me, know that I love a deal. Making use of this activity is definitely a great money saver.
Em, What did you think of this website and how would you use it in your classroom?
I am an advocate for all things technology as long as they are being used in a manner in which students are able to learn skills that help them in the classroom environment. I would use this website in a similar manner in which you would use it.
What do you think Em?
As with everything practice makes perfect so to speak. In my case in need a lot of practice with the concept of spatial thinking.
On the Annenberg interactive activity, I failed to take the trip on the train but had no problem answering the question about the shadows. Funny how our mind work!
On the Annenbery Tangrams module, I also had difficulties understanding does areas as well. We will have to get together to have a discussion before the finals come around.