"Circle the Fun: Geometric Adventures!"

All grades Project 2 weeks

"Circle the Fun: Geometric Adventures!"

Racheal Fuller

Identifying allies

Public policy

Influencing government

1-pager

Purpose

In this section, students will engage with geometric constructions to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on activities and collaborations with community partners, they will explore the practical applications of geometry in real-world scenarios. By constructing geometric figures and refining their techniques, students will enhance their ability to communicate mathematical reasoning clearly and effectively. The experience will culminate in a presentation to local professionals, fostering connections between classroom learning and community impact.

Learning goals

Students will develop precise geometric construction skills using compasses and straightedges, enhancing their ability to communicate and reason about geometric figures. They will apply these skills to real-world scenarios, such as designing a community garden layout, demonstrating their understanding to local architects and city planners. Through collaboration with university partners, students will deepen their comprehension of geometric principles and engage in critical discussions to refine their techniques. The project will culminate in a public exhibition, where students will present their constructions and receive feedback, fostering self-reflection and improvement.

Competencies

Self-Advocacy - Identifying allies (LL.SD.3.a)
Governments - Public policy (FK.SS.1.c)
Politics - Influencing government (FK.SS.2.a)

Products

Students will collaboratively design and create a mural that incorporates geometric shapes and constructions, showcasing their understanding and mastery of specific techniques. Each student will contribute a section of the mural, demonstrating their ability to apply geometric principles in a creative and meaningful way. Additionally, students will develop detailed construction plans for a community garden layout, which they will present to local architects and city planners for feedback. These products will highlight students' skills in geometric reasoning, precision in communication, and real-world problem-solving.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Geometry in Action' field trip to a local university, where students engage in hands-on workshops led by math faculty and students. These workshops will explore real-world applications of geometric constructions, allowing students to see the relevance and impact of their upcoming projects. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and set the stage for the collaborative and practical tasks that follow in the unit.

Exhibition

Host a 'Construction Challenge' event where students showcase their geometric layouts for a community garden to local architects and city planners. Each student presents their construction techniques and reasoning, engaging in a Q&A session with the panel for feedback. The event concludes with a collaborative mural display, featuring each student's contribution of geometric shapes, illustrating their mastery of construction techniques.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Geometry in Action Field Trip - Participate in hands-on workshops at a local university, exploring real-world applications of geometric constructions and interacting with math faculty and students to spark curiosity and set the stage for collaborative tasks (50 min)	Introduction to Geometric Tools - Learn to use compasses and straightedges effectively through guided practice, focusing on precision and technique (20 min) Basic Construction Techniques - Construct basic geometric shapes such as line segments and angles, emphasizing clear communication of steps and reasoning (30 min)	Perpendicular Lines and Bisectors - Construct perpendicular lines and bisectors, understanding their roles in geometric reasoning and proofs (25 min) Peer Discussion and Reflection - Compare construction methods with peers, offering and receiving feedback to refine techniques (25 min)	Advanced Constructions - Develop skills in constructing equilateral triangles and regular polygons inscribed in circles, focusing on accuracy and reasoning (30 min) Collaborative Mural Planning - Begin designing a collaborative mural, selecting geometric shapes and planning individual contributions to showcase learned techniques (20 min)
Deliverables	1. A set of step-by-step instructions created by students for constructing basic geometric shapes (segments, angles, perpendicular lines) with clear and precise communication.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the university's math department for the field trip logistics and workshop activities. 2. Gather materials such as compasses, straightedges, paper, and pencils for in-class activities. 3. Set up a digital projector and laptop for demonstrating the GeoGebra Constructions Tool. 4. Prepare reflection prompts for students to use in group discussions and peer critiques.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Review and Refine Construction Techniques - Revisit initial constructions and refine techniques through guided practice and peer feedback, focusing on precision and accuracy (30 min) Advanced Perpendicular and Parallel Lines - Explore constructing parallel lines using previously learned perpendicular bisectors, enhancing reasoning skills (20 min)	Geometric Layout Design - Begin drafting individual sections for the community garden layout, applying geometric construction skills and ensuring clarity in communication (30 min) Collaborative Peer Review - Share and critique draft layouts with peers, offering constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement (20 min)	Final Construction and Detailing - Complete the community garden layout, incorporating feedback to improve geometric accuracy and presentation (30 min) Mural Creation Session - Work on individual mural sections, applying geometric shapes and constructions to contribute to the collaborative mural (20 min)	Construction Challenge Preparation - Prepare and practice presentations for the Construction Challenge event, focusing on clear articulation of techniques and reasoning (25 min) Mock Presentation and Feedback - Conduct a mock presentation to peers, receiving feedback to refine communication and presentation skills (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Detailed written instructions for constructing an equilateral triangle inscribed in a circle. 2. Collaborative design plans for a community garden layout, incorporating geometric constructions. 3. Peer-reviewed presentation of the community garden design, with feedback incorporated for final presentation.
Preparation	1. Ensure all students have access to compasses, straightedges, and paper for constructions. 2. Arrange for digital access to the GeoGebra Constructions Tool for students who prefer to use it. 3. Coordinate with community partners to confirm the schedule for student presentations to architects and planners. 4. Set up a classroom space conducive to group work and presentations, including necessary AV equipment for digital presentations.