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Shaping up Summer

Elementary

Description

In this fourth book of the "Math in Nature" collection,  geometric concepts are explored through captivating pictures and poetic text that typify this series for young readers.  The interactive experience asks students to answer math questions while learning about amazing animals such as puffins and newts.  A "Nature Notes" section provides ecological information about each animal in the book and an online teacher's guide offers cross-curricular activities that support math, ELA and visual arts outcomes.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book strengthens math learning related to shapes, patterns, symmetry and positioning.  The wildlife theme encourages active exploration of these concepts out-of-doors.  Students could go on a local walk to find and describe patterns and shapes in nature.  Symmetry could be demonstrated/investigated by collecting and folding leaves and observing flowers.  An extended learning project might have a class using simple tools to collect weather data in their community and communicating the results on the school website.

Older students could apply math and science learning to create an outdoor garden plot that provides wildlife habitat.  Measurment, spatial reasoning, mapping and plant growth outcomes could all be addressed in such an action project.

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Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity

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