Shapes and Structures (Freebie)

We are getting ready to start our unit on bridges.  I wanted to review 3D shapes and parts.

I started with a lesson on the strongest shape, a square or a triangle.  I used the AngLegs and gave each group a triangle and a square made with them.  We held them and pushed down on the top of the shape.  The square collapsed.  The kids quickly saw that the triangle was stronger.  I gave them one more angle piece and I asked them if they could make the square stronger.  Students added the piece diagonally and identified that the square was made of two triangles.

AngLegs

We discussed new vocabulary and what happened to our square.

We watched the Design Squad video showing a few demonstrations of strong triangles.

I then challenged groups to build with straws and connectors.  Each group had to make different 3D shapes and test to find the strongest shape.  My students love this kit!  I highly recommend them.  They are very sturdy and would be great for math or  recess.  

Straws and Connectors

 Our strongest shape!

Click for Printable

Sir Cumference and AngLegs: Geometry

I pulled out one of my favorite math books to review some geometry terms this week.  I read "Sir Cumference and the First Round Table."  I read the book and had my students use AngLegs to create the polygons in the story.  We reviewed vocabulary including sides, vertices, angles, parallel, perpendicular, right, acute and obtuse.  

As I was reading, I remembered the tree slab my husband had cut for my science display.  I ran and grabbed it and used it as a prop for the ending with Lady Di Ameter, Radius and Sir Cumference.  My impromptu lesson was a hit!!!

I love the AngLegs to teach my fifth graders about the types of triangles and quadrilaterals.  They click together and have protractors that also click on to measure angles.  I have six bags and found that there was plenty for all of my students.  (thank you Donor's Choose)

Pirates' Treasure: Coordinate Graphing Lesson (and a Freebie)

Coordinate Graphing 

with Captain Cora D. Nate

I love teaching coordinate graphing!  I wanted to create a PIRATE lesson (inspired by Teach Like a Pirate) and I decided to literally become a pirate.  I wanted to go with a treasure map and made a giant coordinate graph. I created a Power Point to teach about coordinates and introduce the activity. My students worked in four teams and took turns pulling coordinates and finding their treasure.  It gave my students a hands-on approach to learning and kept them engaged.  The kids even had the opportunity to to do a little looting.  

They counted their treasure and practiced adding money using decimals at the end of the lesson, and even ordered the amount least to greatest.  It was a huge success!

You can create your own materials or check out my product that I have created for TPT.  I also included another small game board version for the lesson, small groups, centers or additional practice.  Check it out here.  Pirates' Treasure.

Link to TPT.

Here is the product preview.

I have created a coordinate game called Pirateship!

Click here for Freebie to download your copy on TPT.

Please take a minute and leave feedback.

Link to Freebie

Faux Snow Day Celebration

We had school on December 23 and planned a "Faux Snow Day."  We wore our pajamas to school and planned things we like to do on real snow days...wear our comfy pajamas, drink hot cocoa, read a good book and do some coloring. The only thing missing was Snow.

We had to finish sharing our projects....Thanks Santa!!!

MARSHMALLOW AND HOT COCOA

In science class, we did a STEM challenge and built marshmallow towers.  We used 2 cups of marshmallow and 100 toothpicks.  It was more challenging than we thought...the marshmallows were too soft.  Gumdrops might be sturdier.  The kids still had fun!  We drank hot cocoa at the end.

CUTE HAIR

COORDINATE GRAPHING IN MATH

The kids used coordinates to graph and color gingerbread houses.  

(used free Gingerbread House from Math Wire)

PAPER PLATE GAME
I saw this on Pinterest for a Christmas scene.  I changed it to a snowman.  We laughed so much. 

 

 

The best drawing!  Nice job Courthney.

SNUGGLING WITH A GOOD BOOK in ELA

Miss Hammond had everyone bring their independent reading book.  

Everyone joined in!

(Shhhh....I am looking forward to a real snow day)

Happy New Year!!!!