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Notes for teachers

This lesson takes place in a classroom for one to two 40 minute class sessions.
Students may work in small groups of 2 or independently.
An emphasis on the target product building a playground.
Creative solutions should be encouraged.
Learn about geometric shapes circles, squares, triangles and use them in my build.
Read aloud of Count on Me by Miguel Tanco.

List of Materials

Count on Me by Miguel Tanco
Popsicle sticks jumbo and regular sized
construction paper to use as your base
crayons/markers/colored pencils
toilet paper rolls/paper towel rolls
tape/scissors/glue sticks
playground design plan template

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NGSS Standards

NGSS Science Standards

K-2-ETS1-2 Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

Engineering Standards

Developing and using Models

● Develop and/or use models (i.e., diagrams, drawings, physical replicas, dioramas, dramatizations, or storyboards) that represent amounts, relationships, relative scales (bigger, smaller), and/or patterns in the natural and designed worlds.

● Develop a simple model that represents a proposed object or tool.

Standards

Arizona Math Standards

K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientation or overall size (e.g., circle, triangle, square, rectangle, rhombus, trapezoid, hexagon, cube, cone, cylinder, sphere).

Arizona ELA Standards

K.RL.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

K.RL.2 With prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.

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Objectives:

I can draw a playground using the geometrics shaped I have learned about circles, squares and triangles.

I can build a playground using the materials provided to show a real life model.

I can discuss what a circle, square and triangle is.

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Agenda (two 40 minute lessons)

Review the geometric shapes with the students: circle, square, and triangles. Read Count on Me story and discuss. Explain the building a playground project. Have students draw their playground design. Finally build the playground, then share with class what you made.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

Ask the students, What is your favorite thing to do on the playground? Think, share with a partner, then raise your hand to share aloud. Now that you have shared aloud what is your favorite playground activity imagine if you could design and build your own playground! What things would you want on your playground?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Review the vocabulary words circle, square and triangle
Read-aloud Count on Me by Miguel Tanco
Discuss what the girl is passionate about: Math, numbers and shapes which can be found all around us
Students will first brainstorm and then draw their playground design on the template
Once you have discussed and approved their design pass out the materials
Students will work independently or with a partner to build the playground they drew
Students will use the construction paper as their base to build on
Model for them how to use the tape dispenser or they can use scissors to cut out pieces of tape
Once they’re done building the playground students can color and add in pictures to their design
Have the students share their design and explain what they built on the overhead projector

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Assessment

Was each student able to first draw out their playground design? Was the student able to build a playground using the materials provided? Was the student able to share and explain to the class what they built and made? Did the student use circles, squares or triangles in their playground design?

Have students share their playgrounds and point out the shapes in their design.

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Differentiation

Draw out the plan for the students and show them before they draw one for themselves.

Build a playground model and have the students try to copy your design.

Tell your students what to build for example a slide, a seesaw or a tunnel.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

After the read aloud have the students share what they are passionate about.

Explain to the students the design a playground project and give them no visuals of what it could look like.

Have the students do a gallery walk to see everyone’s playground designs.

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