EXCEL 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, trapezoids, rhombuses, circles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, nonagons, and decagons. The students will also be able to recognize how many sides, vertices, and angles each polygon has as well as the sum of all angles in each figure. The total, average, minimum and maximum number will also be calculated in this exercise.

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).
•Identifies and uses technology tools to solve problems with teacher assistance.
•Manages information with databases and spreadsheets.
•Identifies basic technology tools.
•Demonstrates understanding of basic technology and telecommunication tools.
•Demonstrates an understanding of the uses of technology and telecommunication tools in society.
•Demonstrates appropriate and effective care and use of technology tools.
•Operates basic technology tools and applications.

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 main technology connection in this lesson is for the students to have a complete summary of the basic polygons and the characteristics of each. The students will also learn the basic functions and tools of Microsoft Excel that will assist them in computing totals, averages, minimum and maximum numbers among other numerous mathematical functions. Microsoft Excel is a great program for students and will be a fun and interactive activity that is beneficial to everyone.

Description of Lesson Implementation:

This activity is more of a revision exercise for students as well as a new learning experience. I would probably use it to help the students in preparing before a Mathematics test focusing on Geometry. The students would construct their own spreadsheets of the significant regular Polygons using Microsoft Excel. 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 the sum, average, minimum and maximum numbers of each column into the spreadsheets. The spreadsheets are useful because it help them better organize and store information. However, we would also create charts to represent the same information on the tables to give the students a visual aid to compare and contrast the results of the table. This lesson will be a fun and interactive learning activity for the students. Their math skills and technology experience will be put to good use in this lesson.

Assessment:

The students will save their Microsoft spreadsheets and charts on the computers and print them. I would also give each child the opportunity to present his/her individual projects to the class. In addition, I would use a special assessment rubric to grade the students’ presentations and their hard copies of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and charts. Overall the students’ knowledge of using Excel to represent their ideas and knowledge of polygons is the main focus. Not only will their computer skills be used but also the understanding of polygons and basic mathematical functions will be used in this activity.

Other Places to Use This Solution:

I would definitely recommend using Microsoft Excel in the classroom for any subject area as a way to summarize important information or as a new method for lecturing to my class or even 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 such as test scores, attendance, and performance throughout the school year. It is a great activity and Excel could be useful and beneficial for everyone.

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, clipart, 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. It is also important that students understand the basics of using Microsoft Excel and then everything else basically falls into place. Excel will calculate, update, and organize information but it is just doing it the correct and most efficient way that matters. Excel is a great program that is useful to everyone and I will definitely implement it into my lessons.

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:

Georgia Learning Connection
Math League
Clipart