Grade level: Grade 1.
Provincial curriculum links: Ontario.
Subject: Science and Technology.
Keywords: Form, Function.
Students look for geometrical shapes in nature to help them appreciate the diversity of the natural environment.
Topic: Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
Strand: Life Systems
Specific Lesson Goals:
Classify characteristics of animals and plants by using the senses.
Describe patterns that they have observed in living things.
Use appropriate vocabulary in describing their investigations, explorations, and observations.
Record relevant observations, findings, and measurements, using written language, drawings, charts, and concrete materials.
Identify a familiar animal or plant from seeing only a part of it.
Topic:Everyday Structures
Strand:Structures and Mechanisms
Specific Lesson Goals:
Identify ways in which various structures are similar to and different from others in form and function.
Classify various structures in their environment according to specific features and functions.
Identify geometric shapes in ordinary structures.
Describe patterns that are produced by the repetition of specific shapes or motifs in various materials and objects.
Use appropriate vocabulary in describing their investigations, explorations, and observations.
Record relevant observations, findings, and measurements, using written language, drawings, charts, and concrete materials.
Shape sheet (Appendix A)
Prior to going outside have the students brainstorm examples of shapes that can be found in nature. Provide each student with a shape sheet and explain that they are to find corresponding shapes (i.e. triangle) in nature to match those on the sheet. Explain each shape and descriptive picture on the sheet so that the students have a complete understanding of what they are looking for.
Take the students out to the playground and have them search for objects that are similar to the shapes that appear on their sheet. Once they have found an object that matches the description, instruct them to draw a picture of the object in the area provided. Once the children have finished drawing at least one natural object in relation to each shape (more if time permits), have the students gather together as a group and discuss the shapes that they have found.
Students can be rated on group participation and co-operation.
This is an excellent hands-on activity for students in Grade 1.
This exercise is adapted from: Waterloo Region District School Board. Let The Sun Shine In --- Using the Environment as a Context for Learning. Waterloo Region District School Board, 2000, 27 pages.
Submitted by: Dennis Wendland <dennis_wendland@wrdsb.on.ca>