1-Pager
4th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Geo-Go: Shapes & Angles Adventure!

Lorie A
4.G.A.2
4.G.A.1
4.MD.C.5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to engage students in the practical application of geometry by designing a playground. Through hands-on activities, students will explore and classify two-dimensional shapes, angles, and lines, while considering safety and enjoyment. They will collaborate, reflect, and use feedback to refine their designs, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking. By connecting geometric concepts to real-world contexts, students will enhance their academic mindset and problem-solving skills, contributing to a sense of belonging and identity within their community.

Learning goals

Students will classify and draw two-dimensional figures based on geometric properties such as parallel and perpendicular lines and angles. They will apply these concepts by designing a playground, considering safety and functionality. Through self-directed learning, students will use feedback and reflection to refine their designs, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within their community. Critical thinking will be emphasized as students explore innovative solutions to create a playground that meets diverse needs.
Standards
  • [California] 4.G.A.2 - Classify two-dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines, or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size. Recognize right triangles as a category, and identify right triangles. (Two-dimensional shapes should include special triangles, e.g., equilateral, isosceles, scalene, and special quadrilaterals, e.g., rhombus, square, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid.)
  • [California] 4.G.A.1 - Draw points, lines, line segments, rays, angles (right, acute, obtuse), and perpendicular and parallel lines. Identify these in two-dimensional figures.
  • [California] 4.MD.C.5 - Recognize angles as geometric shapes that are formed wherever two rays share a common endpoint, and understand concepts of angle measurement:
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and create scale models of playgrounds using various two-dimensional shapes, ensuring the inclusion of right triangles and special quadrilaterals. They will document their design process in a project journal, reflecting on feedback and self-assessment to guide their learning. By the end of the project, students will present their playground models, explaining the geometric principles used to ensure safety and fun, and engage in critical discussions about their designs with peers and community members.

Launch

Begin the project with a visit to a local playground where students can observe and sketch different geometric shapes and structures they see. Encourage them to identify and classify shapes based on angles and lines, using the standards as a guide. Back in the classroom, facilitate a discussion on how these shapes contribute to the playground's design and safety, connecting their observations to the essential question. This hands-on exploration will spark curiosity and set the stage for the project, while fostering a sense of place and belonging.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, students will host a "Playground Design Expo" where they showcase their playground models created using geometric principles. Each student will present their design, explaining how they incorporated parallel and perpendicular lines, angles, and right triangles to ensure safety and fun. Parents, teachers, and peers will be invited to explore the models and provide feedback, encouraging students to engage in self-reflection and critical thinking about their designs. This exhibition will foster a sense of identity and belonging as students share their work and celebrate their learning journey.