Treasure Trails: Crafting Maps with Creativity and Math

5th Grade Project 2 weeks

Treasure Trails: Crafting Maps with Creativity and Math

Jodi Antje Garrington

CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.B.4

CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.B.3

CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.A.2

CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.A.1

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Purpose

The project aims to engage Grade 5 ELL students in a creative exploration of coordinate planes by designing treasure maps that integrate mathematical concepts with artistic expression. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and collaboration with a local artist, students will deepen their understanding of graphing points and interpreting coordinates while enhancing their communication and critical thinking skills. By transforming their learning into a tangible product, students will showcase their knowledge in a Map Masters Gallery, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community connection.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this project include understanding and applying the concepts of coordinate planes to create and interpret treasure maps. Students will develop skills in graphing points in the first quadrant and using mathematical language to describe spatial relationships. Additionally, they will enhance their artistic creativity by integrating visual design elements, and improve their collaborative and reflective abilities through peer feedback and critique sessions.

Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.B.4 - Classify two-dimensional figures in a hierarchy based on properties.
CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.B.3 - Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category.
CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.A.2 - Represent real world and mathematical problems by graphing points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane, and interpret coordinate values of points in the context of the situation.
CCSS.Math.Content.5.G.A.1 - Use a pair of perpendicular number lines, called axes, to define a coordinate system, with the intersection of the lines (the origin) arranged to coincide with the 0 on each line and a given point in the plane located by using an ordered pair of numbers, called its coordinates. Understand that the first number indicates how far to travel from the origin in the direction of one axis, and the second number indicates how far to travel in the direction of the second axis, with the convention that the names of the two axes and the coordinates correspond (e.g., x-axis and x-coordinate, y-axis and y-coordinate).

Products

Throughout the project, students will create individual treasure maps using coordinate planes, incorporating artistic elements with guidance from a local artist. By the end of the project, each student will contribute to a 'Coordinate Plane Adventure Book,' showcasing their map, a narrative story, and a reflection on their learning journey. Additionally, students will compile a digital portfolio with photos and descriptions of their maps, highlighting their understanding of mathematical concepts and creativity.

Launch

Kick off the project with the "Mystery Map Challenge," where students are presented with a blank map and a set of clues that require them to plot points on a coordinate plane to uncover a hidden message or image. This engaging activity will spark curiosity and set the stage for exploring coordinate planes through a hands-on, collaborative approach.

Exhibition

Transform the classroom into a "Map Masters Gallery," where students proudly display their treasure maps alongside their digital portfolios. Invite parents, community members, and the local artist to explore the gallery, engaging in discussions about the creative and mathematical elements of the maps. Encourage students to present their narratives, explaining the journey and the use of coordinate planes, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community celebration.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Mystery Map Challenge Introduction: Students work in teams to explore a blank map with a set of clues. They will plot points on a coordinate plane to uncover hidden messages or images, sparking interest in coordinate planes.	Coordinate Plane Basics: Interactive session where students learn about the components of a coordinate plane, including the x-axis, y-axis, and how to plot points using ordered pairs.	Treasure Map Drafting: Students begin drafting their own treasure maps on graph paper. They will plot key locations using coordinates and develop a story that describes the journey on the map.	Artistic Elements Workshop: With guidance from a local artist, students explore artistic techniques to enhance their maps, such as color schemes, symbols, and borders.	Peer Sharing and Feedback: Students share their draft maps and stories in small groups, receiving feedback on both mathematical accuracy and artistic design. They will use this feedback to refine their maps.
Deliverables	1. Completed draft of a personal treasure map with plotted coordinates and a narrative story. 2. Feedback notes from peer sharing session, outlining areas of improvement for map and story.
Preparation	1. Prepare and organize materials for the Mystery Map Challenge, including blank maps and clues. 2. Create and distribute coordinate plane worksheets for the basics session, ensuring they are accessible for ELL students. 3. Coordinate with the local artist to plan the artistic elements workshop, ensuring necessary art supplies are available. 4. Facilitate the setup for peer sharing and feedback sessions, including guidelines for constructive feedback.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Final Map Revisions: Students make final modifications to their treasure maps based on feedback received in Week 1, ensuring accuracy in plotted coordinates and enhancing artistic elements.	Storytelling and Narrative Enhancement: Students refine their narrative stories to accompany their maps, integrating mathematical language and storytelling techniques learned throughout the project.	Digital Portfolio Creation: Students take photos of their completed treasure maps and upload them to a digital platform, along with their narrative stories and reflections on the learning process.	Peer Feedback and Reflection Session: Facilitate a feedback session where students present their digital portfolios to peers, providing and receiving constructive feedback on both mathematical and artistic elements.	Map Masters Gallery Preparation: Students prepare their physical maps and portfolios for display in the classroom gallery, collaborating to create an engaging exhibition space.	Exhibition and Community Engagement: Host the Map Masters Gallery event, inviting parents, community members, and the local artist to view the students' work and engage in discussions about their projects.
Deliverables	1. Finalized treasure map with plotted coordinates and enhanced artistic elements. 2. Completed narrative story accompanying the treasure map. 3. Digital portfolio containing photos of the treasure map, narrative story, and reflections. 4. Participation in the Map Masters Gallery exhibition.
Preparation	1. Provide access to digital tools or platforms for students to create and upload digital portfolios. 2. Coordinate the logistics for the Map Masters Gallery event, including invitations for parents and community members. 3. Prepare materials for the exhibition setup, such as display boards, labels, and any necessary technology for digital presentations. 4. Facilitate a constructive feedback session by preparing guiding questions and reflection prompts for students to use.