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Mark A. Holman

4/1/97

"What Do You See?"

Topic: Multiple Perspectives

Grade Level: 5th/6th

Objective: My students will draw personal perspectives of block formations, compare it to others, and then construct a group block formation from perspective clues.

Materials: transparencies of formations and the different perspectives; overhead projector; multi - link cubes (or blocks); sets of cards w/ separated perspectives of specific formations; drawing paper or block paper (if available)

The Lesson: A. Anticipatory Set: Using a pre - made set of transparencies on multiple perspectives, the teacher will place one on the overhead and ask the students which view is taken. After a specified amount of time (e.g. 15 sec.), turn off the overhead and discuss which view is shown. Repeat using different types of pictures. Final set(s) should be block/cube set(s).

B. Concept Development/Activity: (To be done in groups with four students each)

1. Give each group a set of multi - link blocks and a set of 5 cards containing different views of one specific formation (i.e. top and four sides).

2. Tell them to construct a simple 3 - dimensional block formation with 6 - 8 blocks. Have them place it in the center of the group (table) and let each draw what they see from the side they are on (looking at the formation at eye level). Designate one student from each group to also draw the top view.

3. When finished, allow a few minutes for discussion and comparison/contrasting of various perspectives.

4. Give one side - view card from each set to a student in the group and allow all in the group to look at the top view. Tell them to construct the formation from the clues provided. Have the students either draw the 3 - dimensional figure that was constructed or write a page comparing and contrasting the different views. If any time is available, have groups exchange sets of cards.

C. Practice: Have students create original block formations and cards showing all four side perspectives and the top perspective.

D. Closure: Review the different perspectives using the transparencies. Explain how it relates to real - life (i.e. different people can see the same thing such as an auto accident and have different views of what happens).

Assessment

1. Observation of individuals/groups as they form the block formations and talk about their various perspectives.

2. Drawings of the different perspectives.

3. Final drawing or written page on final construction.

4. Checkmarks designating whether completed correct block formation from clues (x number of points for construction).

5. Creation of original card sets (also x no. of points).

References (Bibliography):

1. Seeing and Thinking Mathematically: From the Ground Up. Glenn M. Kleiman (Project Director). Heinemann Publishing: 1994.

2. Designing Spaces: From the Ground Up. Glenn M. Kleiman (Project Director). Heinemann Publishing: 1994.

3. Filling and Wrapping: 3 - Dimensional Measurement. J.T. Fey, W.M. Fitgerald, S.N. Friel, C. Lappan, E.D. Phillips (Project Directors).

4. Mathematics In Context: Side Seeing. Thomas A. Romberg (Director). Encyclopedia Britannica Education Corp.: 1997.*

* Resource Used