ERIC Number: EJ1415768
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Jan
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0025-5769
EISSN: EISSN-2330-0582
Improve It! Understanding Shape's Structures
Joana Conceição; Margarida Rodrigues
Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12, v117 n1 p6-11 2024
Can You Build It? is an engaging Improve It! task that asks children to construct 3D shapes based on 2D depictions. Students' initial 3D creations often need revision, and as they build and re-build, they develop spatial relationships. This task was implemented in a first-grade class, connected to composing 3D geometric shapes to address the Common Core State Standard 1.GA.2 (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers, 2010). Moving constantly between 2D and 3D leads to a stronger spatial sense that helps students to unveil the shapes' structures, which is an important topic in mathematics and recommended as a mathematical practice. This article examines how first graders' abilities to build and improve their geometry constructions while moving between and connecting 2D and 3D representations. Because the task is primarily about students constructing and exploring, the lesson was organized into three stages: (1) presenting the task to students (10 minutes); (2) students constructing and improving constructions, alone or in peer groups (30--45 minutes); and (3) a whole-class conversation with students presenting and discussing strategies (15 minutes).
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Geometric Concepts, Task Analysis, Grade 1, Elementary School Students, Geometry, Teaching Methods, Learning Activities, Construction (Process)
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-9840; Fax: 703-476-2570; e-mail: publicationsdept@nctm.org; Web site: https://pubs.nctm.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Grade 1; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A