Discovering Math
Building the Cube Things
Journal Writing
Next, students wrote about their creation in their math journal; describing the object, how many cubes are used and any other information they would like to write.
Classifying the Cube Things
Extending the Lesson
The Book Becomes an iMovie!
As an extension of this lesson, the class then used iMovie to create a movie using the same photographs. Since this classroom was outfitted with an ACTIVboard, an interactive whiteboard, the class was able to use the ACTIVboard to create the movie together. Students learned additional math concepts such as sequencing and time since both were real world skills needed to complete the iMovie. After the photos were placed on the timeline, the teacher created a narration script using Kidspiration. The classed charted each of the steps needed to complete the iMovie while the teacher used Kidspiration to keep track of the steps. The students were amazed to see all they had accomplished. Using this list of steps, each child was given one line to record. Their narration was placed with their photo on the audio timeline so they could be heard while their photo was on the screen. And finally, the students created the beginning and ending title slides.
Learning Outcomes
- describe the materials they use
- identify attributes of a material and group objects with like attributes
- describe the categories for their groups as they sort
- attend to attributes of objects (Are they able to ignore certain characteristics in order to focus on other attributes of the same object?)
- count out a set of 40 objects by 1's, 2's or 5's
- write number expressions to describe configurations of cubes
- describe three-dimensional shapes (What words do they use?)
- see relationships among the shapes
- sort shapes
Technology Skills
- Use a digital camera to take photos
- Use iPhoto to organize photos, create text for each photo and make a class photo book
- Use iMovie to create a video using the iPhoto library, add narration, tranisitions, music and titles (Teacher assistance may be needed with timing the narration correctly with the photo.)
Differentiated Instruction
Assessment: The Proof is in iPhoto and iMovie!
The success of each child is documented in both the iPhoto book and iMovie the class created. Each student had to follow through on their responsibility in order for the projects to be completed.
Additional assessment ideas include:
- Students using the iPhoto book to classify each object into the categories.
- Using the photos as a discussion starter - each student describing why they chose to build their object.
Asessment Ideas
The success of each child is documented in both the iPhoto book and iMovie the class created. Each student had to follow through on their responsibility in order for the projects to be completed.
Additional assessment ideas include:
Additional assessment ideas include:
- Students using the iPhoto book to classify each object into the categories.
- Using the photos as a discussion starter - each student describing why they chose to build their object.
Resources: Suggested Resources
- iBook
- iPhoto
- iMovie
- iTunes
- Kidspiration
- Digital Camera
- Interactive whiteboard
- LCD projector
- Interlocking cubes
Cube Thing Lesson Plan
Web Resource
Investigations in Number, Data, and Space, web site for the Investigations in Mathematics program used by Mount Laurel Township Schools. It encourages K-5 students to reason mathematically, develop problem-solving strategies, and use models, diagrams, and graphs to represent their thinking.
First published on Jun 22, 2006. Content last updated on Oct 10, 2006.
