Thursday, March 24, 2016

Measuring Angles in Fourth Grade

Here is what you'll need:
1. Types of Angles Foldable (from my TPT store)
2. Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland (via Amazon or other book retailer)
3. How to Use a Protractor (via Downeast Teach on TPT)
4. Measuring Angles Scoot Activity (see pictures below)

Here is what you do:
1. Types of Angles Foldable
This resource comes from my 4th Grade Geometry Vocabulary product. You will only need the types of angles page for this specific activity. Have students glue the foldable and copy down the definitions in their math journals. Here is what it should look like:
from my TPT store


2. Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland
You can purchase this book from Amazon by clicking the link above or from any other book retailer. I prefer Amazon because it is inexpensive and quick! This is a must read if you haven't already! What a fun book that introduces the concept of measuring angles in an engaging and exciting way.

3. How to Use a Protractor (via Downeast Teach on TPT)
I found this resource several years ago and it is always my go to when it comes time to measure angles. This resource is clear and concise. I have my students add it to their math journal! The students love it! You will need to add your own guided practice as you see fit.
via Downeast Teach on TPT

 
4. Measuring Angles Scoot Activity
From my experience, I found that teaching students how to measure angles on a small worksheet can get messy! Worksheets don't provide enough room to accurately measure an angle. The angles are often printed small and students have to use the straight edge of the protractor to extend the rays of the angle. It definitely gets messy!

I decided to take a different approach this year. I used the plain side of old book covers to create my own angles for students to measure. Don't forget to label each angle with a number. I made twelve (#1-12). You can make more or less, it is up to you!

I posted the angles around the room in numerical order. Students worked in pairs to solve the problems. In addition to measuring the angle, I had my students identify the type of angle and name the angle. We did the "SCOOT" approach. Students start at a station and work with their partner to measure the angle, name the angle, and identify the type of angle. My students needed about three minutes for each station. You will need to play around with the time to see what works best for your students. When the timer goes off, students will rotate to the next station. Don't forget to restart the timer!

Continue this process the students have answered all the questions. Students can record their answer on notebook paper or you can create your own template.




Did you enjoy this Geometry activity? You can download my Geometry Bundle Pack by clicking here. It contains FIVE great activities for a low price! Don't pass up this great deal.


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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Types of Lines

Fourth grade math introduces many new geometry concepts to our Texas fourth graders. Students learn about different types of lines including intersecting, perpendicular, and parallel. This may seem super straight forward, but this concept can present itself in a variety of ways. 

Here is an idea for a "Types of Lines" lesson in your fourth grade classroom:

I start by having students create a new vocabulary foldable entry in their math journal.
You can find this product at my TPT store. Just click here.


This is what it will look like when the students put it in their journal. This example isn't specific to types of lines, but you get the idea!


We then break out into guided math groups. At my table, I go through my "Types of Lines Word Problems Task Cards." The tasks at the other stations are up to you!
You can find this product at my TPT store. Just click here.



You can find both of these products PLUS three others in my Geometry BUNDLE PACK
Just click here.


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Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Measuring Angles with a Protractor

Using a protractor to measure angles is a new skill for Texas fourth graders. Measuring angles with a protractor is a skill that was moved from sixth grade to fourth grade through the implementation of the new Texas math TEKS.

4.7C determine the approximate measures of angles in degrees to the nearest whole number using a protractor.

Measuring angles using a protractor is tough skill to assess. Protractors are not allowed during the STAAR test, so test makers are creative in their presentation of this skill. I created "Measuring Angles with Protractors" Task cards using inspiration from released STAAR questions. It is always tough to predict how the TEKS will be assessed, so it is best to teach a skill from multiple angles. The following pictures are my interpretation of the TEKS.

  

You can purchase a FREE preview of my task cards by clicking here.

You can purchase the FULL SET of "Measuring Angles with Protractors" task cards by click here



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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

DIY Thing One & Thing Two Costumes



Here's what you'll need:

  • Two headbands
    • I bought an inexpensive set of soft, colorful headbands from Wal-Mart. They were about $3 for eight headbands. You can also use one you already have at home!
  • Two spools of blue tule 
    • These are found in the ribbon aisle at Wal-Mart for about $2 to $3 each.
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Laminated print of the "Thing One" and "Thing Two" designs 
  • Hole puncher
  • Red shirt
  • Red pants/shorts/skirt 
Here's how you do it:

Step 1: Google "Thing One and Thing Two" to find the front logo for your t-shirt. I just copied and pasted them into a Word document and them as large as possible. Print and laminate for durability.

Step 2: Use a hole puncher to punch two holes at the top of your logo. Thread some of the blue tule through the holes to create a necklace. 
I preferred to wear mine as a necklace to avoid holes in my t-shirt from safety pins. If you don't have a printer, you can use a black marker to design your t-shirt logo. You don't have to laminate - it's just an option! You can also tape or laminate it to the front of your shirt.

Step 2: Measure out your blue tule in one foot sections. These don't have to be exact. You'll be cutting a lot - so CLOSE to one foot is good enough.


Step 3: Loop your tule around the head band. See the pictures below for a more detailed explanation.

 

Step 4: Put it together! 



Check out this The Cat in the Hat measurement activity for Dr. Seuss' birthday! It is FREE! 
Just click here.

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Dr. Seuss Math

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

It is often difficult to find the perfect combination of rigor and fun when planning activities for the upper elementary grade levels. With STAAR looming around the corner, teachers often feel like they can't give up any precious days of instruction. In preparation for Dr. Seuss' birthday, I searched and searched for the perfect activity to do with my fourth graders. It was taking much longer than expected, so I gave up and created my own!

Here is a preview of my activity. It is FREE on my TPT site. Just click here.


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