Lesson 1: Indiana Bones... In Search of the Missing Homework (Mapping of a Classroom)

Grade: 8

Subjects: Geography, Mathematics and Science

Learner Outcomes:

  • The student will map the floor layout of a classroom.
  • The student will transfer pattern to larger grid.

Duration of Lesson: 3-4 class periods

Materials:

pencils, chalk, string, masking tape, x and y coordinate cards, rulers, compasses, grid paper of varying sizes, classroom

Technology Tools/Courseware:  

  1. Graphing calculator (optional)  
  2. Computer with internet connection (optional)  
  3. 3-D Graphing Software (optional)  
  4. Computer printer, preferably color (optional) 

Teacher Notes:

Prepare a suspended cartesian plane using string taped to the walls of the classroom four feet from the floor.  Plot x and y coordinates on wall above the strings. (Grid cells = 4' x 4' which will enable students to stand inside and look down.)

Procedure:

  1. Students plot the classroom grid coordinates on paper.
  2. Students move under suspended cartesian plane from cell to cell.
  3. Students stand within cell and plot what they see as they look downward.
  4. Students compare grids with one another to see what may have been missed or may be out of proportion. 

Modification: 

  • Using paper of various grid sizes, students proportionally transfer information initially gathered. 

Enrichment Activities: 

  1. Develop cartesian plane in area of student's choice.  Plot objects proportionally on grid paper. 
  2. Utilizing a smaller picture of objects placed in a room, have students place similar objects in the gridded room. 
  3. Transfer smaller picture to grid paper of various sizes. 

Evaluation/Assessment: 

  • The students will be monitored for participation and understanding of the procedures.  Students will turn in grid drawing of room. 

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

 
Math: 8.21
Science: 8.15, 8.16, 8.17

National Standards:

Science:

  • Understands the nature of scientific knowledge
    • Knows that although the same scientific investigation may give slightly different results when it is carried out by different persons, or at different times or places, the general evidence collected from the investigation should be replicable by others

Mathematics:
  • Understands the general nature and uses of mathematics
    • Understands that mathematical ideas and concepts can be represented concretely, graphically, and symbolically

References:

For 3-D graphing software:
http://www.GammaDesign.com

Authors: Bryan Barnett, Pat Ryan and Judy Staats

 
Overview
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5


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