Solving Mathematical and Real World Problems Involving Composite Figures

Get Started

• Students will find a set of composite figures worksheets on their desks.
• They are tasked with identifying shapes within each figure and calculating the area for each shape shown.

Brain Break

• Activity: "Shape Scavenger Hunt" where students explore the classroom to find real-life examples of composite figures.
• Timing: 5 minutes, after the “Get Started” activity to refresh their minds before diving deeper into the lesson.

Set A Purpose

• Lesson Objective: Students will be able to identify and calculate the area of composite figures and solve real-world problems using these calculations.
• Essential Question(s): How can understanding composite figures help us solve problems in our everyday lives?

Build Engagement

• Strategy: Share a video of how architects use composite figures to design buildings and parks, showing the shapes they combine.
• Connect: Discuss how these designs affect space in our lives, engaging students to think about architecture in their communities.

Activate Prior Knowledge

• Activity: Quick discussion about basic geometric shapes—what shapes can they name and where have they seen them?
• Use a KWL chart (Know, Want to know, Learned) to assess what students already know.

Direct Instruction w/ Modeling

• Explain composite figures: Definition and examples.
• Model calculating the area of a composite figure by decomposing it into simpler shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles).
• Example Diagram: Show a house shape comprised of a rectangle and triangles.

{The image of a diagram depicting a house shape made of a rectangle at the base and two triangular roofs on top, labeled with their dimensions.}

Guided Practice

• Students will work in pairs to calculate the area of composite figures provided on a handout.
• Each pair will share their solutions and thought processes with another pair to foster collaboration.

Checks for Understanding

• Questions:
  • “What shapes can we identify in this composite figure?”
  • “How do we find the area of each shape?”
• Assessment: Use exit tickets where students provide the area of given composite figures to gauge understanding (DOK Level 1).

Readiness Check (Transition)

• Monitor student discussions and answers during guided practice to identify those ready for independent work, based on correct responses and confidence in their explanations.

Independent Practice

• Assignment: Students will receive a worksheet with various composite figures to solve independently, calculating areas and answering related word problems.

Closed Device Time (CDT)

• Students will work on a collaborative Google Form quiz regarding composite figures during this time to assess collective understanding and areas needing review.

Small Group Instruction (SGI)

• Group students needing additional assistance with a hands-on activity where they create their composite figures using graph paper and craft materials.
• Other students will work on extension problems related to real-world applications of composite figure areas.

Closure

• Circle time: Discuss how composite figures are relevant in various professions (engineering, design). Students take turns sharing experiences or thoughts on how they applied their learning today.

WICOR Strategy

• Writing: Improve comprehension through journal entries discussing what they learned about composite figures and their real-world applications.
• Embedded in the Independent Practice, students will finish their journal entries based on the work they completed.

Real-World Applications of Composite Figures

• Discuss examples of composite figures in architecture and design.
• Brainstorm how understanding these can lead to better strategies in various professions.

Problem-Solving Strategies

• Introduce systematic methods (draw it out, break it down) for solving problems involving composite figures.
• Consistently return to these strategies throughout the lesson.

Composite Figures in Nature

• Explore how nature uses composite figures, like leaves and animals, and the areas they cover.
• Case Study: Review the shapes seen in leaves and insects and consider their adaptations.

{The image of various leaves overlaid on a diagram where their shapes are segmented into basic geometric forms, showing how to calculate their areas.}

Real-Life Composite Figure Scenarios

• Present situations involving yards, parks, and rooms that can be modeled as composite figures for area calculations.
• Example: Calculate the area of a backyard that is shaped like an L (composed of two rectangles).

Reflection and Self-assessment

• Students will summarize what they learned about composite figures and their applications in real life.
• Encourage them to reflect on how this knowledge might assist them in other subjects or areas of interest.

Review Game

• Organize a Kahoot! to review key concepts about composite figures, keeping the atmosphere light and competitive to strengthen retention.

Key Takeaways

• Reinforce the importance of understanding composite figures not only in mathematics but in practical life scenarios.
• Encourage students to apply their knowledge of composite figures in both their future learning and daily life situations.

{The image of children engaging in a math game about composite figures, with vibrant colors and a classroom backdrop.}

This structured yet engaging presentation aligns with the South Carolina 6th-grade math standards, ensuring students can comprehend and apply their understanding of composite figures effectively.