Shape Up City Builders!

2nd Grade

Project
4 weeks

Shape Up City Builders!

Justin Ngo

2.MD.A

2.G.A

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 2nd-grade students in a hands-on exploration of geometry by designing and building their own city. Through this immersive experience, students will deepen their understanding of 2D and 3D shapes, their attributes, and measurement concepts. By actively constructing and presenting their city models, students will apply mathematical vocabulary and reasoning, fostering a deeper connection to real-world applications of geometry.

Learning goals

Students will develop a strong understanding of geometric vocabulary and concepts by identifying, describing, and constructing 2D and 3D shapes. They will apply these concepts to design and build a model city, using precise measurements and spatial reasoning. Through collaborative activities and presentations, students will enhance their communication skills, articulating their design choices and mathematical reasoning. The project aims to deepen their ability to measure and estimate lengths, fostering a practical understanding of geometry in real-world contexts.

Standards

2.MD.A - Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.
2.G.A - Reason with shapes and their attributes.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create a series of geometric sketches and blueprints of their city designs, starting with 2D shape plans and progressing to 3D models. By the end of the learning experience, each student will have constructed a physical model of their city using materials like clay or building blocks, complete with labeled geometric features and measurements. Additionally, students will produce a presentation poster or digital slideshow that outlines their design process, includes photographs of their models, and highlights the mathematical concepts applied.

Launch

Begin the project with a dynamic 'Geometry Scavenger Hunt' where students explore the school environment to identify and document examples of 2D and 3D shapes. Encourage students to take photos or sketch their findings, fostering a sense of discovery and connection to real-world geometry. After the hunt, facilitate a discussion on how these shapes can be integrated into their city-building projects, setting the stage for creative and mathematical exploration.

Exhibition

Organize a 'City Builders Showcase' where students proudly display their city models in a classroom gallery setting. Invite parents, classmates, and school staff to visit the exhibition, where students will guide them through their city designs. Each student will articulate their design process, using geometric vocabulary to highlight the shapes, measurements, and planning involved in their city layout. This interactive event allows students to demonstrate their understanding and creativity while engaging with an audience.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Introduction - Launch the project with a 'Geometry Scavenger Hunt' around the school to find examples of 2D and 3D shapes, fostering real-world connections to geometry (30 min) Shape Discussion - Facilitate a class discussion on the shapes found during the scavenger hunt and their potential uses in city building (20 min)	Exploring 2D Shapes - Engage students in a hands-on activity to identify and categorize 2D shapes, focusing on attributes like sides and angles using interactive games (30 min) Geometric Vocabulary Introduction - Introduce basic geometric vocabulary through fun activities, ensuring understanding of terms like parallel and perpendicular (20 min)	Constructing 3D Shapes - Conduct a workshop where students build 3D shapes using clay or building blocks, emphasizing the transition from 2D shapes (30 min) Attributes and Measurements - Teach students how to identify faces, edges, and vertices of 3D shapes, integrating measurement concepts (20 min)	Designing a 2D City Plan - Guide students in sketching out their city designs using 2D shapes, focusing on layout and spatial reasoning (25 min) Grid Placement - Introduce students to grid systems, teaching them how to place 2D shapes on a grid to plan their city layout (25 min)	Measuring City Blocks - Facilitate an activity where students measure and estimate lengths of their city blocks using standard units, reinforcing 2.MD.A standards (25 min) Refining City Plans - Allow students to refine their 2D city plans, considering measurements and geometric vocabulary for precision (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Geometry Scavenger Hunt findings (photos/sketches) 2. Group poster of 2D and 3D shapes with labels and attributes 3. Individual 2D city map design on graph paper
Preparation	1. Prepare scavenger hunt materials (clipboards, sketch paper, digital cameras/tablets) 2. Gather a variety of 2D shape cutouts for sorting activities 3. Provide clay, building blocks, or geometric construction kits for 3D shape workshop 4. Supply graph paper and drawing tools for city map design 5. Create a large blank poster and labels for group activity

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	2D Shape Discovery - Students explore and identify various 2D shapes in the classroom, discussing attributes like sides and angles in small groups (20 min) Shape Attribute Chart - Create a chart listing different 2D shapes and their attributes, using shape cutouts for hands-on interaction (30 min)	Shape Sorting Game - Engage in a game where students sort shapes based on their attributes, reinforcing geometric vocabulary (20 min) Blueprint Sketching - Begin sketching 2D blueprints of city buildings on grid paper, focusing on accurate shape representation and measurement (30 min)	Introduction to 3D Shapes - Transition from 2D to 3D by constructing basic 3D shapes using clay or building blocks, discussing faces, edges, and vertices (25 min) 3D Shape Construction - Continue building and exploring 3D shapes, encouraging students to describe their attributes and relate them to 2D shapes (25 min)	Real-World Shape Hunt - Conduct a class walk around the school to identify real-life examples of 3D shapes, documenting findings with sketches or photos (20 min) City Layout Planning - Start planning city layouts on grid paper, placing 2D shapes to represent future 3D buildings, ensuring understanding of measurement and spatial reasoning (30 min)	Gallery Walk Preparation - Students prepare to present their 2D and 3D work by practicing descriptions using geometric vocabulary, focusing on clarity and detail (25 min) Peer Feedback Circle - Conduct a peer review session where students present blueprints and receive feedback, fostering a collaborative learning environment (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed 2D shape attribute charts. 2. Constructed 3D shape models with labeled attributes. 3. Initial city layout sketches on grid paper, including planned building placement and measurements. 4. Written reflections using geometric vocabulary to describe their city planning process.
Preparation	1. Gather and organize materials such as geometry shape cutouts, string, rulers, clay, and building blocks. 2. Prepare laminated grid paper and dry-erase markers for city planning activities. 3. Create and print vocabulary cards and charts to support the geometry vocabulary game. 4. Set up stations for shape transformation workshops with necessary tools and materials.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Review and Expand Vocabulary - Students review previously learned geometric vocabulary and expand with new terms related to 3D shapes such as edges, vertices, and faces, through a group matching game (20 min) 3D Shape Construction Workshop - Using building blocks or clay, students construct 3D shapes, identifying and discussing the attributes of each shape as they build (30 min)	Blueprint Design Session - Students draft a blueprint of their city, incorporating both 2D and 3D shapes, and label all shapes using geometric vocabulary (25 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Students partner up to share their blueprints, practice using geometric vocabulary, and provide feedback on each other's designs (25 min)	City Grid Measurement Activity - Students apply measurement skills to map out their city on a grid, estimating and measuring lengths in standard units to ensure accurate placement (30 min) Reflection and Discussion - Students discuss the challenges and successes of mapping their city, focusing on the use of measurement and spatial reasoning (20 min)	Building the City - Students begin constructing their city model based on their blueprints, using materials like building blocks, ensuring all geometric attributes and measurements are accurately represented (50 min)	Final Touches and Detailing - Students complete the construction of their city models, adding final details and ensuring all shapes are labeled correctly with geometric vocabulary (25 min) Preparation for Presentation - Students prepare for the upcoming showcase by practicing how they will present their city model, focusing on clear communication of their design choices and measurements (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed city layout on grid paper with labeled zones. 2. Constructed 3D models of city buildings with accurate measurements recorded. 3. A written or digital description of each building's geometric attributes.
Preparation	1. Prepare grid paper and pencils for students to map out their city layout. 2. Gather materials like clay or building blocks for constructing 3D models. 3. Provide rulers and measurement charts for students to accurately measure their models. 4. Create a geometric vocabulary chart for reference during peer feedback sessions. 5. Set up a classroom space for students to present their models on 'Design Review' day.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	City Construction Review - Conduct a peer review session where students share their city models, receive feedback, and use geometric vocabulary to describe their designs (25 min) Final Adjustments - Allow students time to make final adjustments to their city models based on peer feedback, ensuring accurate use of measurements and shape attributes (25 min)	Measurement Practice - Students engage in a hands-on activity to double-check their city measurements using rulers and standard units, reinforcing 2.MD.A standards (30 min) Reflection and Planning - Facilitate a reflection session where students document their city-building process, focusing on the mathematical concepts applied (20 min)	Exhibition Preparation - Guide students in creating presentation materials, such as posters or slideshows, that highlight the geometric vocabulary and design choices in their city model (30 min) Practice Presentations - Organize practice sessions for students to rehearse their presentations, focusing on clear communication and use of geometric terms (20 min)	City Builders Showcase Setup - Assist students in setting up their city models and presentation materials for the 'City Builders Showcase', ensuring all elements are ready for exhibition (25 min) Showcase Rehearsal - Conduct a final rehearsal where students practice guiding visitors through their city designs, emphasizing measurement and shape reasoning (25 min)	City Builders Showcase - Host the 'City Builders Showcase' where students present their city models to parents, classmates, and school staff, using precise geometric vocabulary and measurements (50 min)
Deliverables	1. Final 3D city model with labeled geometric features and measurements. 2. Presentation poster or digital slideshow outlining the design process, including photographs of the city model and a summary of mathematical concepts applied. 3. Peer feedback notes using geometric vocabulary.
Preparation	1. Ensure availability of presentation materials such as poster boards, display stands, or digital presentation equipment. 2. Organize the classroom or designated space for the 'City Builders Showcase,' including arranging tables or stands for model displays. 3. Prepare invitations for parents and school staff to attend the exhibition. 4. Gather materials for peer feedback activities, such as sticky notes or feedback forms.