Exploring Shapes and Patterns

Title: Exploring Shapes and Patterns

Compliance: Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

Subject: Mathematics

Summary: This lesson will introduce third-grade students to the concept of shapes and patterns, helping them develop their spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Topic: Shapes and Patterns

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and describe different shapes
• Recognize and extend patterns
• Apply knowledge of shapes and patterns to solve problems

Methodology:

This lesson will be taught using a combination of direct instruction, hands-on activities, and interactive discussions. Students will have the opportunity to explore shapes and patterns through various engaging activities.

Resources/Materials:

• Chart paper and markers
• Shape manipulatives (e.g., pattern blocks, tangrams)
• Pattern cards
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheets

Instructions:

Engage:

1. Begin the lesson by displaying different shapes on the chart paper. Ask students to identify and describe each shape. Encourage them to share real-life examples of each shape.

2. Introduce the concept of patterns by showing a simple pattern on the chart paper (e.g., square, triangle, square, triangle). Ask students to identify the pattern and predict what comes next.

Explore:

1. Distribute shape manipulatives to each student. Instruct them to explore the manipulatives and create different shapes using the pieces.

2. Provide pattern cards to small groups of students. Ask them to identify the pattern on each card and extend it by adding the next shape in the sequence.

Explain:

1. Gather students together and discuss their findings. Ask them to share the shapes they created and the patterns they identified.

2. Introduce vocabulary words related to shapes and patterns, such as sides, vertices, symmetry, repeating pattern, and growing pattern. Explain each term using examples and visuals.

Elaborate:

1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Provide each group with a whiteboard and markers.

2. Give students a shape or pattern challenge, such as creating a symmetrical shape or extending a growing pattern. Instruct them to work together to solve the challenge and present their solutions to the class.

Evaluate:

1. Distribute worksheets to each student. The worksheets should include questions and activities related to identifying shapes and completing patterns.

2. Review the completed worksheets to assess students' understanding of the concepts taught in the lesson.

By the end of this lesson, students should:

• Know: The names and characteristics of different shapes, and how to recognize and extend patterns.
• Understand: The vocabulary words related to shapes and patterns, and how to apply their knowledge to solve problems.
• Can do: Identify shapes, create shapes using manipulatives, recognize and extend patterns, and solve shape and pattern challenges.