Island Project
10:14 AM
This project was a lot of fun! It definitely allowed for a lot of creativity. If I do it again in the future, I will give the students more clear direction on each specific step. Some of them got ahead and started making their islands and it was a little hard to read the symbols on their keys. We also spent more time going over geometric and organic shapes than I thought we would since all of the students wanted a turn to draw a shape on the board. I have a hard time saying no when they want to be involved! Cindy suggested that in order to save time, but still allow everyone to be a part of it, I could have them draw their shapes in the air. I love that idea! Regardless of how much time it took, I was proud of the students for being able to understand the concept so well. They were able to find a lot of geometric and organic shapes and lines around the classroom. Their islands turned out fun and really showed off their individual ideas and interests.
Create an Island - 1/8/16
Content Covered: Shape, Line, Design
State Standards and Objectives:
-Identify characteristics of lines
-Begin experimenting with organic line/show variety
-Identify geometric shapes in the classroom
-Experience cutting out geometric shapes with scissors
-Combine geometric shapes to make complex new ones (compass rose)
-Make organic/geometric shapes
-Use symbolism in conveying meaning
-Combine organic/geometric lines
-Show correct size relationships
2nd Grade Objectives:
-Identify and use information on a map and on a globe (e.g., map key or legend, simple grid systems, physical features, compass rose).
Learning Outcomes:
-Students will understand the difference between geometric and organic shapes and lines. They will use both types of shapes and lines as they design an island, incorporating their map skills.
Lesson Plan
Materials Needed:
-Construction Paper
-Large blue paper
-Scissors
-Glue
-Markers
Lesson Sequence:
1. Using the white board, teach students about geometric shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc) and organic shapes (shapes that they create on their own). Point to objects around the classroom and have them identify if the shape is organic or geometric. Do the same thing with lines (geometric: straight, zig zag / organic: curvy lines they create.Talk about what else we can do with lines - make them dotted, patterned, thick, or thin, etc.
2. Review what students have learned about symbols on maps (compass rose, scale, legend)
3. Describe the project. They will pretend they just discovered a new island, and they will be creating a map of it to tell other people about it. What are some symbols we can use to describe our islands? Draw these on the board.
4. Pass out large sheets of blue paper. Students write the title of their island at the top (if they haven't thought of one they can do it after).
5. In one corner, students draw a compass rose. Draw one on the board so they have an idea of how to do it. Remind them that these are geometric shapes.
6. In another corner, students draw a square and make legend or key for their map. They must include five different symbols (examples: river, road, forest, city, desert, jungle, mountains, etc.) I will draw examples on the board, but they can come up with whatever symbols they want to use for them.
Day 2:
6. Pass out construction paper. They choose one color for the their island and draw an organic shape on a sheet of paper in that color (taking up almost all of the paper).
7. Students cut out their island and glue it onto their white paper.
8. Students design their island by cutting shapes out of different colors of construction paper and gluing them on their island. They draw lines using markers. (they can use geometric or organic shapes and lines)
9. When the students are done, ask them to identify organic and geometric shapes on their own and other students' islands. How do the symbols they chose help represent the different parts of their islands?
It's so hard to pick just a few to show here! These kids are just adorable. They were so excited to show me the different parts of their islands!
1 comments
Hi, Mckenzie!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this blog post about your island project! I love that you are allowing the students to build on their own creativity and let their own unique personality shine! I think Cindy's idea for drawing in the air is a great one! Whenever you can save time in a classroom, do it! A lot of valuable time can be wasted without even realizing it sometimes. I think you did a great job though! I can't wait to read more!