Embedded Files
Building off of engineering lessons based on Temple Grandin, the inventor of the cattle corral, students completed a farm-themed unit focused on fractions and the attributes of 3D shapes. In Lesson 1, students practiced partitioning fractions using Play-Doh. In Lesson 2, students learned the attributes of 3D shapes by building them with toothpicks and marshmallows. Lesson 3 was a continuation of 3D shapes as students learned how to draw them. Lesson 4 was a review Bingo game before students took the post-assessment.
Grade 2 Standards
~2.G.A.1. Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of
angles or a given number of equal faces. Identify triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses,
trapezoids, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.
~2.G.A.2. Partition a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares and count to find the
total number of them.
~2.G.A.3. Partition circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares, describe the
shares using the words halves, thirds, half of, a third of, etc., and describe the whole as two
halves, three thirds, four fourths. Recognize that equal shares of identical wholes need not have
the same shape.
Unit Vocabulary
Fraction: Represents part of a whole or set
Whole: All of the parts of one shape or group
Halves: Two equal parts of a whole
Thirds: Three equal parts of a whole
Fourths: Four equal parts of a whole
Edges: lines around a shape
Faces: flat surfaces on a 3D shape
Vertices: pointy bits/corners where edges meet
Learning Outcomes
1) The second-grade students will be able to partition circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares, partition rectangles into rows and columns of equal shares and count to find the total number.
2) The second-grade students will be able to identify and describe the attributes of various 3D shapes.
3) The second-grade students will be able to draw 3D shapes by following the teacher’s step-by-step instructions.
Fraction Fun!
Instructional Model: Gradual Release of Responsibility
Learning Outcome: The second-grade students will be able to partition circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares, partition rectangles into rows and columns of equal shares, and count to find the total number.
Essential Question(s): Why are fractions useful in our everyday lives? How do you know how many equal parts it takes to make a whole? How do we create a fraction?
MA Standard: 2.G.A.3. Partition circles and rectangles into two, three, or four equal shares, describe the shares using the words halves, thirds, half of, a third of, etc., and describe the whole as two halves, three thirds, four fourths. Recognize that equal shares of identical wholes need not have the same shape.
Marshmallow Math
Instructional Model: Gradual Release of Responsibility
Learning Outcome: Students will be able to define and apply geometry vocabulary such as edges, faces, and vertices using tangible materials.
Essential Question(s): Why do we need to know about 3D shapes? How can we use the terms edge, face, and vertex to identify 3D shapes?
MA Standard: MA. 2. G. A. Reason with shapes and their attributes. 1. Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces.12 Identify triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, trapezoids, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.
3D Shapes in Our World
Instructional Model: Gradual Release of Responsibility
Learning Outcome: The second-grade students will be able to draw 3D shapes by following the teacher’s step-by-step instructions.
Essential Question(s): How can we identify and describe 3D shapes? Why is it important to recognize and contrast geometric attributes, such as edges, vertices, and faces? Why is it important to recognize 3D shapes in our real world?
MA Standard: 2.G.A.1. Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces. Identify triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses, trapezoids, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.
Shapes and Fractions Wrap-Up
Instructional Model: Gradual Release of Responsibility (review) and Whole Group (Bingo)
Learning Outcome: Combination of outcomes from lessons 1, 2, and 3.
Essential Question(s): Why are fractions useful in our everyday lives? How do you know how many equal parts it takes to make a whole? How do we create a fraction? Why do we need to know about 3D shapes? How can we use the terms edge, face, and vertex to identify 3D shapes? How can we identify and describe 3D shapes? Why is it important to recognize and contrast geometric attributes, such as edges, vertices, and faces? Why is it important to recognize 3D shapes in our real world?
MA Standard: All standards covered in lessons 1, 2, and 3.
All materials and worksheets are attached to the lesson plan documents (under tabs Math Lesson 1, 2, 3, and 4).
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