Shape Your City: Geometric Art Challenge!

4th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Shape Your City: Geometric Art Challenge!

Kate Sommerville

CCSS.Math.Content.4.G.A.1

CCSS.Math.Content.4.G.A.2

CCSS.Math.Content.4.G.A.3

CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.3

CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.C.5

Purpose

In this interdisciplinary project, students will explore the intersection of geometry and art by creating their own geometric art pieces inspired by local architecture. Through hands-on activities, they will investigate how geometric shapes and concepts are utilized in the design and planning of public spaces within their community. A field trip to observe local architecture will provide real-world context, allowing students to apply their understanding of geometric principles to classify shapes, measure angles, and recognize symmetry in their surroundings.

Learning goals

Students will explore and apply geometric concepts by identifying and drawing various shapes, lines, and angles found in local architecture. They will classify two-dimensional figures and recognize symmetry in architectural designs. Through creating their own art pieces inspired by community structures, students will use area and perimeter calculations to plan their designs. The project will culminate in a field trip where students will observe and analyze the role of geometry in public spaces, enhancing their understanding of geometry's practical applications.

Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.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.
CCSS.Math.Content.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.
CCSS.Math.Content.4.G.A.3 - Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts. Identify line-symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.
CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.3 - Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems.
CCSS.Math.Content.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:

Products

Students will collaboratively create a geometric art installation inspired by local architecture, using shapes and concepts learned in class. Throughout the project, they will maintain a geometry sketchbook to document their observations and design ideas. By the end of the project, students will present their art piece, along with a written reflection on how geometry influences architectural design in their community.

Launch

Begin the project with a walking tour of your community, focusing on observing and sketching different architectural styles and public spaces. Encourage students to identify geometric shapes, angles, and lines in the structures they see, taking notes and photographs to document their findings. Back in the classroom, facilitate a discussion where students share their observations and brainstorm ideas for their art projects, drawing connections between geometry and the design elements they noticed in the community's architecture.

Exhibition

Organize a community art showcase where students display their geometric art pieces inspired by local architecture. Invite family members, local architects, and community leaders to view the students' work and participate in a guided tour where students explain the geometric concepts they used. Incorporate a digital gallery component where students can share photos and reflections on their learning process, accessible to those who cannot attend in person.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Geometry and Architecture - Engage students in an interactive discussion about geometry in architecture. Show examples of local buildings and identify geometric shapes, lines, and angles. Introduce the essential questions guiding the project.	Activity 2: Community Walking Tour - Take students on a walking tour of the neighborhood to observe and sketch architectural styles and public spaces. Encourage them to identify and document geometric shapes, lines, and angles found in the architecture.	Activity 3: Geometry Sketchbook - Back in the classroom, have students create a geometry sketchbook. In this sketchbook, they will compile their sketches, observations, and notes from the walking tour, labeling geometric elements and reflecting on their findings.	Activity 4: Brainstorm Art Project Ideas - Facilitate a brainstorming session where students share their observations and ideas for their geometric art projects. Encourage them to think about how they can incorporate the shapes and concepts observed during the walking tour into their artwork.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed geometry sketchbook with documented sketches, observations, and labeled geometric elements from the community walking tour.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange permission slips and transportation for the community walking tour. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a presentation with images of local architecture to introduce geometric concepts. 3. Prep Task 3: Gather sketchbooks, pencils, and clipboards for students to use during the walking tour. 4. Prep Task 4: Plan and outline the walking tour route, identifying key architectural landmarks to visit.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Symmetry and Classification - Lead a hands-on activity where students explore symmetry by folding paper to create symmetrical patterns. Discuss and classify different two-dimensional figures based on symmetry and geometric properties observed.	Activity 2: Design Planning Session - Have students begin planning their geometric art piece by sketching initial designs in their geometry sketchbook. Encourage them to incorporate the symmetric patterns explored earlier and classify the shapes they plan to use.	Activity 3: Measuring and Calculating - Guide students in measuring angles and calculating area and perimeter for the shapes in their art designs. Use rulers and protractors to ensure accurate measurements and reinforce the practical application of formulas.	Activity 4: Peer Review and Feedback - Facilitate a session where students present their initial designs to peers for feedback. Encourage constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement, focusing on the use of geometry in their designs.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Symmetry Exploration Sheets - Completed symmetrical patterns with notes on geometric properties. 2. Deliverable 2: Initial Art Design Sketch - A preliminary sketch of their geometric art piece with labeled shapes and measurements.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather supplies for paper folding symmetry activity, including paper, scissors, and drawing materials. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare lesson materials on symmetry and classification, including examples and visual aids. 3. Prep Task 3: Ensure availability of rulers, protractors, and calculators for measuring and calculating activities. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a feedback form or guide to help students provide structured peer review.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Field Trip to Local Architecture - Organize a visit to a local public space or architectural landmark. Students will observe and document geometric shapes, angles, symmetry, and design elements that influence the space. Encourage students to take photos and make sketches to later incorporate into their art projects.	Activity 2: Art Piece Development - Back in the classroom, students will work on developing their geometric art piece. They will use the sketches and photos from the field trip to inspire their designs, incorporating geometric concepts such as symmetry and angle measurements.	Activity 3: Applying Area and Perimeter - Guide students in applying area and perimeter formulas to determine the dimensions and layout of their art piece. They will calculate these measurements to ensure their art piece fits within a specified display area.	Activity 4: Reflection and Journaling - Have students reflect on their field trip experience and the progress of their art pieces. They will write a short journal entry on how geometry influences architectural design, using examples from their observations during the field trip.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Field Trip Observation Notes - A collection of photos, sketches, and notes documenting geometric elements observed during the field trip. 2. Deliverable 2: Art Piece Progress - An updated version of the students' geometric art piece showing integration of field trip observations and calculated measurements. 3. Deliverable 3: Reflection Journal Entry - A written reflection on the role of geometry in architecture and its influence on their art piece design.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange transportation and permission slips for the field trip, ensuring all logistical details are confirmed. 2. Prep Task 2: Create a field trip guide highlighting key geometric features to observe and document at the site. 3. Prep Task 3: Ensure availability of art materials such as paper, paints, rulers, and protractors for art piece development. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a reflection prompt or guide to assist students in their journaling process.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Final Art Piece Assembly - Students will finalize their geometric art pieces by assembling all components, ensuring all geometric concepts such as symmetry, angles, and area calculations are evident in the final product. Encourage creativity and precision in their designs.	Activity 2: Art Exhibit Preparation - Students will prepare their art pieces for exhibition by creating display labels that include a title, a brief description of their piece, and an explanation of the geometric concepts used.	Activity 3: Rehearsal for Community Showcase - Organize a rehearsal where students practice presenting their art pieces to peers. They will articulate the geometric principles applied, the inspiration drawn from local architecture, and the design process.	Activity 4: Community Art Showcase - Host the community art exhibition where students present their geometric art pieces to family, peers, and community members. Students will guide attendees through the showcase, explaining their work and the role of geometry in architectural design.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed Geometric Art Piece - A fully assembled art piece that demonstrates the use of geometric shapes, symmetry, angles, and area/perimeter calculations. 2. Deliverable 2: Display Label - A written label for each art piece including a title, description, and explanation of geometric concepts. 3. Deliverable 3: Presentation Script - A prepared script or outline that students will use to present their art piece and explain the geometry involved during the community showcase.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange the exhibition space, setting up tables or display boards for student artwork. 2. Prep Task 2: Coordinate with families and community members to invite them to the art showcase. 3. Prep Task 3: Gather art display materials such as easels, mounting supplies, and labeling materials. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a presentation rubric or checklist to guide student presentations and ensure all key points are covered.