Lesson Plan: Mathematics - STEM
Grade: 3
Topic: STEM - Introduction to Geometry
Duration: 30 minutes
Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify basic geometric shapes.
- Understand the properties of two-dimensional shapes.
- Create simple geometric patterns using various shapes.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Geometric shape cutouts (triangles, squares, rectangles, circles)
- Colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Ruler
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
-
Greeting and Warm-up
- Welcome students to the class.
- Briefly discuss what STEM stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- Ask students if they can name any shapes they see around them (e.g., in buildings, furniture, etc.).
-
Introduce Geometry
- Explain that today’s focus will be on geometry, part of mathematics that deals with shapes and their properties.
Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
-
Introduction to Shapes
- On the whiteboard, draw and label the following shapes:
- Triangle
- Square
- Rectangle
- Circle
-
Properties of Shapes
- Discuss the properties of each shape:
- Triangle: 3 sides, 3 angles.
- Square: 4 equal sides, 4 right angles.
- Rectangle: 4 sides, opposite sides are equal, 4 right angles.
- Circle: No sides, no angles, all points are equidistant from the center.
Guided Practice (5 minutes)
- Shape Identification
- Show cutouts of different shapes and ask students to identify them.
- Engage students by asking questions like, "How many sides does this shape have?" or "What shape is this if it has all equal sides?"
Independent Activity (8 minutes)
-
Pattern Creation
- Distribute colored paper and scissors to students.
- Instruct them to cut out at least one of each shape discussed.
- Encourage students to create a pattern using the shapes they cut out (e.g., triangle, square, triangle, square).
-
Glue Shapes
- Have students glue their shapes onto another piece of paper to display their patterns.
Conclusion (2 minutes)
-
Share Patterns
- Ask a few students to share their patterns with the class.
- Encourage positive feedback and discussion about the different patterns created.
-
Recap
- Summarize what was learned about shapes and their properties.
- Reinforce how geometry plays a role in everyday life.
Assessment
- Observe students during the guided practice and independent activity to assess their understanding of shapes and ability to create patterns.
- Evaluate the patterns created for correct use of shapes and creativity.
Additional Resources
- Educational websites for interactive shape games.
- Books related to geometry for further reading.
This lesson plan aligns with US educational standards for mathematics and STEM education, promoting engagement and hands-on learning for third-grade students.