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The Shape of Things

Elementary

Description

This inventive math activity uses outdoor play to develop the spatial skills of young students as they compare and contrast the shapes of natural objects.  The integrated and inclusive approach includes science and language arts outcomes to develop an awareness of the relationship between nature and human design.  An open-ended process also provides an opportunity for meaningful student interaction with nature that encourages environmentally conscious behaviour.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This outdoor activity supports math outcomes related to spatial sense and patterning.  The emphasis on close observation of living and non-living things reinforces science learning while students build vocabulary through peer to peer dialogue and descriptive communication.  The nature experience also provides an excellent tool for teaching about seasonal changes.  For example, a winter investigation of track shapes left in the snow could include information about winter adaptations of wildlife. 

Homeowners often rake up fallen leaves as part of their lawn maintenance and the leaf litter is bagged or burned.  While exploring leaf shapes students could learn about the benefits of leaf litter as shelter for overwintering organisms.  A class could then initiate a community action project where residents drop off leaves at a local green space so students can create large “leaf pile” habitats for insects and small mammals.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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  • Alberta
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    • Kindergarten
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        • Writing: Ideas and information can be articulated accurately and imaginatively through the use of writing processes and an understanding of the author’s craft
      • Math
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Geometry: Shapes are defined and related by geometric attributes
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
    • Grade 1
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      • Math
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        • Geometry: Shapes are defined and related by geometric attributes.
      • Science
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
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        • Writing: Ideas and information can be articulated accurately and imaginatively through the use of writing processes and an understanding of the author’s craft
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        • Geometry: Shapes are defined and related by geometric attributes
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    • Kindergarten
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        • Objects have attributes that can be described, measured, and compared.
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        • Science: Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
    • Grade 1
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      • Math
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        • Objects and shapes have attributes that can be described, measured, and compared.
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
      • Social Studies
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        • Local Communities:: We shape the local environment, and the local environment shapes who we are and how we live.
    • Grade 2
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      • Math
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        • Objects and shapes have attributes that can be described, measured, and compare
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        • Interaction
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        • Shape and Space
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        • The World and Me
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        • Shape & Space
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        • Interactions: Environments
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        • Units & Outcomes
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        • My Family: Dynamic Relationships
    • Grade 2
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        • Compose and Create
      • Math
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        • Shape and Space
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Kindergarten
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Math
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Objects have attributes that can be described, measured, and compared.
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science: Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Math
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Objects and shapes have attributes that can be described, measured, and compared.
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Local Communities:: We shape the local environment, and the local environment shapes who we are and how we live.
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Math
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Objects and shapes have attributes that can be described, measured, and compare

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World