I. Curricular Framework

Concept:

Representation

Essential Question:

How is geometric vocabulary directly related to many everyday symbols?

Bridge:

Alphabetical Symbols

Content:

Math Symbols: Geometry

Outcomes:

II. Standards Aligned

III. Instruction and Assessment

1. Connect: Connecting to the Concept Experientially

Objective: To create an awareness for the need for correct vocabulary in geometry.

Activity: Each pair of students will be given a set of geometric shapes with which to create a design. The student is to create the design behind a barrier so his partner cannot see the design. The partner is to describe the design well enough to the other person so that person can build exactly the same design. The partner cannot see what was designed, but may ask questions as directions are given. Change roles and try again.

Assessment: Participation in activity, attentiveness to partner.

2. Attend: Attending to the Connection

Objective: To analyze experiences and to become aware of need for the correct vocabulary in geometry.

Activity: Students will make a list of the vocabulary used in describing their designs. The lists will be combined into a class list to be posted in the room. Discuss why vocabulary is important.

Assessment: Number of words in list, participation with partner.

Assessment, Phase One, Level of Engagement, Fascination:

3. Image: Creating a Mental Picture

Objective: Students will become aware that geometry vocabulary is also used to describe things other than geometric designs.

Activity: Pairs of students will choose any two letters from the alphabet and describe their similarities and differences. Each pair of students will exchange their descriptions with another pair of students and they try to determine which letters are being described.

Assessment: Quality of work with partner, participation, effort in trying to give a complete description of each set of letters.

Assessment, Phase Two, Seeing the Big Picture:

4. Inform: Receiving Facts & Knowledge

Objective: To provide instruction on geometry vocabulary, terms and symbols.

Activity: Teacher will use activities in textbooks or activities of his/her own design.

Assessment: Class participation.

Assessment, Phase Three, Success with Acquiring Knowledge:

5. Practice: Developing Skills

Objective: To provide the learner with practice to learn vocabulary used in geometry.

Activity: Guided practice, textbook, worksheets, and quizzes.

Assessment: Quizzes and tests.

Assessment, Phase Four, Success with Acquiring Skills:

6. Extend: Extending Learning to the Outside World

Objective: To provide activities that will broaden students' experiences in the use of symbols.

Activity: Students will select one of the following projects. Students should be given a timeline as to when the check/edit day will be and when the project is due. Students should be informed as to grading procedures for the project. This is a chance for the students to extend themselves into the concept of "Symbols." 1. Considering the broad use of symbols in our daily lives, research the history of symbols in a specific area of use. Prepare a report either in poster or written form. (Examples: history of number system, geometric symbols, Braille, periodic table, traffic symbols, etc.). 2. Create a symbol that represents your math class. Display the symbol on a poster, write an explanation for the symbol for the class. 3. Find as many mathematical symbols as possible. Organize the symbols into "families" and display them in a mobile. 4. Create a booklet about symbols and the order of operations or integers as if it were a teaching tool for a younger student. You should "spice up" your work to make the booklet interesting! 5. Create a set of cartoons illustrating the order of operations, integers, mathematical symbols or geometry vocabulary. (Some examples can be found in the book "Humor in Math"). 6. Pretend you are an integer or a mathematical symbol. Write a story about your life. 7. Make a collage illustrating some idea about integers (opposite directions, ups-downs, opposite property, their uses, etc.). Choose one idea to illustrate.

Assessment: Quality and accuracy of activities.

7. Refine: Refining the Extension

Objective: To give guidance and feedback to students' plans, to encourage, to refine.

Activity: In small groups, discuss projects. Teacher discusses projects with students.

Assessment: Participation, timelines.

8. Perform: Creative Manifestation of Material Learned

Objective: To share, to delight in what was learned.

Activity: Students share their projects with the class.

Assessment: Quality of sharing, enjoyment.

Assessment, Phase Five,Performance, Creative Use of Material Learned: