INSPIRATION PROJECT

Project:Polygons

Learning Goals and Standards:

The Polygon activity is targeted for Grade 5 students and is based on the Mathematics lesson: The Geometry Dictionary. The students will be able to recognize and list characteristics of regular polygons including triangles, rectangles, squares, parallelograms, rhombuses, trapezoids, and circles.

The QCC standards addressed in this lesson include:

Determines line of symmetry and identifies geometric relations (e.g., parallel to, perpendicular to, intersect, horizontal, vertical, similar, congruent, flips, slides, and turns).
Makes models of plane and solid figures and sorts and classifies these models according to characteristics such as number of sides, angles, vertices, faces, edges, tessellations, and lines of symmetry (include triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, cones, cylinders, rectangular prisms, and pyramids).

Rational for Technology:

Technology plays a very significant role in this lesson and shows students that Mathematics can be easily represented and understood by the use of technology. Also this lesson is very interactive and is an enjoyable and educational activity for the students. Children love using technology and this is a great and educational experience for them. The non-assessed QCC Standards include technology integration, which identify basic technology tools, demonstrates the understanding of basic technology and telecommunication tools. Also the non-assessed QCC standards demonstrate appropriate and effective care and use of the technology tools as well as operating the basic tools and technology applications. The main technology connection in this lesson is for the students to have a complete summary of the basic polygons and the characteristics of each.

Description of Lesson Implementation:

This activity is more of a revision exercise for students. I would probably use it to help the students in preparing before a Mathematics test focusing on Geometry. The students would construct their own graphic organizer of Polygons using Inspiration. However, I would guide the students through this process step by step. We would make sure to incorporate the most significant polygons and the characteristics of each. I would already have a list of each polygon that will be used with some of the characteristics but the students will also give their input on the main characteristics while we create the chart. This will help the students recall the most important points as well as incorporate these ideas into a chart which helps them better organize and store information.

Assessment:

The students will save their charts on the computers and print them out as well as a study guide. The students will work in groups of twos and present their charts to the class for assessment. I would also use a special assessment rubric to grade the students’ presentations and their hard copies of the inspiration charts.

Other Places to Use This Solution:

I would definitely recommend using this in the classroom for any subject area as a way to summarize important information or as a study guide. It is a great and easy way for students to summarize their work and have easy access to it. This would also be great for teachers and parents to help organize, update, and keep track of significant information. This is a great activity and inspiration would be beneficial to all.

What I Learned:

I learned that in order to have a successful lesson with technology integration the teacher must be computer literate and comfortable with technology. It is also very important to make sure the websites and research materials online are book marked or reviewed first by the teacher. To prevent inappropriate information, I would already have the list of polygons and characteristics available to the students so no one would have to research them on the Internet. Also the students would obtain their additional information from their textbooks on Polygons.

Evaluation:

The Polygon activity is an example of an integrated lesson. It is extremely useful and incorporates technology well. It is structured on Geometric concepts and consists of all the important areas of a lesson. The lesson is clearly written and meets the criteria of the QCC standards. The Polygon activity would be useful to all students and could be modified for varying students. This lesson is very interactive and is also a fun activity for the students. Children love using technology and this is a great and educational experience for them.

Resources:

Inspiration Software
Georgia Learning Connection