Workshop 8, Part A

Informal Geometry for Elementary Students

Geometry in the Elementary Classroom is one of the most exciting strands of mathematics but one that is frequently overlooked.  Knowing this, Thinking Strategies for Mastering Math provides teachers with a unique approach for teaching geometry.  Students use a geometry dictionary where each term is represented by a picture and is clearly defined along with a student activity workbook that teaches to the dictionary, term by term.  For example, in the dictionary the words parallel lines are pictured and defined; in the student workbook students are directed on how to draw parallel lines using a ruler and a compass.  The geometry workbook encourages students to become self-learners and problem solvers.

Because of the amount of material, Informal Geometry for Elementary Students is is broken into two, two day workshops:

• Informal Geometry, Part A is the study of the line and the parts of a line, the plane and the parts of a plane, and angles--their attributes, representations, relationships, and locations in the environment.
• Informal Geometry, Part B is the study of the types of triangles, quadrilaterals, and three-dimensional figures.  Part B begins where Part A ends.

Informal Geometry, Part A:

Concepts taught at this workshop are mapped to student expectations from Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, 2000, page 396.

Students will:

• name and describe figures having one-, two-, and three dimensions;
• recognize two- and three-dimensional figures in their environment and name their locations;
• understand and represent a point, a line, and a plane;
• name, describe, draw, construct, and build angles, polygons, and circles;
• classify two-dimensional figures according to well defined classification schemes;
• create mental images of geometric shapes using spatial memory and spatial visualization.

Who Should Attend This Two Day Workshop:  3rd - 6th grade teachers and all support staff

Teachers will receive:  geometry dictionary with student workbook, wallboards

Please bring:    deck of cards, black permanent marker, one 2 inch 3-ring binders, one 1 inch 3-ring binder, 100 unlined 3 by 5 cards, scissor, tape, 5 self-sealing bags, 5 rubber bands, geoboard, geobands, 150 popsicle sticks, paper clips, 20 tabbed dividers (Items not used in Part A will be used in Part B)