.png)
More Details
Short Summary
Description
Shapes in Nature is a project based learning activity for students in grades 2-5
Objective: Students learn to be keen observers of nature and the environment, make connections to geometric shapes and plants and animals, and how we use shapes in everyday life.
Motivating question: Exploring Shapes in Nature: How Do Different Shapes and Patterns Help Plants and Animals Thrive and how can we see similarities between shapes in nature and shapes we use in math?
Learning outcomes: This is a PBL project designed to integrate ELA, writing, planning, art, geometry, growth mindset.
There are 12 activities that can be printed and organized into a binder or stapled together. Students can use the internet, textbooks, maps, and their peers as resources to complete the project. Each student will complete a unique project which they can present so that others can learn from their discoveries. Colored pencils, markers, and crayons are great resources for decorating each sheet!
Project Activity pages:
- What I know About Shapes – Mind mapping
- Hexagonal Puzzle Challenge
- Doodle Art Shapescapes- recording shapes
- Garden Shapescape – coloring and hunting for shapes
- Sea Shapes – coloring and hunting for shapes
- Shapes n Patterns – Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Shapes n Patterns – categorizing activity
- My Doodle Art Shapescape – art activity
- Shape Mapping – geometry and spatial awareness
- Honeycomb Construction Challenge
- Packing Challenge – with squares, triangles, circles
- Feedback and reflection
- Final Projects
- Extension Ideas
- Additional Resources
Student decision-making: Students choose their art and design works as well as their final project.
Student Inquiry: Students research the connection between geometry and the natural world and learn to see patterns in art, math, design, and nature.
Feedback/revisions: students will offer suggestions on the project, what went well, what was difficult, what was most interesting, and what else they still want to learn.
Published product: Students will have the choice to produce a work of art or design of their choosing. Older students can go on to research more advanced subjects relating to patterns in nature.
Any or all of the pages in the pdf file can be printed and used for students across a wide range of ages/skills, or collaboratively with kids of different ages.
Depending on your student’s needs, there are several pages of scaffolding information, including vocabulary, facts, reading list, weblinks.
Total Pages: 26 pages
Answer Key: N/A
Project Duration: approxiamately 1-2 Weeks
