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Housatonic River Unit

Math and Art in Nature Station – Bartholomew’s Cobble

Focusing Question:

How is nature a kaleidoscope of shapes with many variations on a few basic themes?

Standards:

Math:

6.G.1 Identify polygons based on their properties.
6.G.2 Identify three-dimensional shapes (eg., spheres, cones, etc.) based on their properties, such as faces and edges.
6.G.7 Identify types of symmetry, including line and rotational.
8.G.8 Recognize and draw two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional objects, eg., nets, projections, and prospective drawings.

Art:

2.8 For line, use and be able to identify various types of line, for...freehand studies from observation.
2.9 For texture, use and be able to differentiate between surface texture and the illusion of texture (visual texture).
3.4 Create 2D and 3D representational artwork from direct observation in order to develop skills of perception, discrimination, physical coordination, and memory of detail.
4.4 Produce work that shows an understanding of craftsmanship.

Length of Time Need to Complete:

One 45-minute rotation during field trip

Resources/Materials:

The Shape of Things video (NOVA), The Shape of Things worksheet and Shapes in Nature Quiz (See Links Below), and journal prompt.(See Links Below)

Procedure:

Pre-Field: Show the video "The Shape of Things" to the class (55 min.). Students collect information (work sheet) during the video,pausing along the way. Discuss collected information and related mathematical designs to nature’s shapes.

In the Field: Using the "Shapes in Nature" work sheet, and working in small groups (10 max.), the students explore Bartholomew's Cobble. They will look for shapes that fit the six basic shapes, and then sketch and label (colors, texture,etc.) each object in their journal. Give students 20-30 minutes to complete this task.

In the Classroom After Field Trip: Administer the "Shapes in Nature" quiz. Review answers.

Journal Assignment:

1. Art Prompt: Take one of your best sketches, and to the best of your ability draw, color and describe that "Shape in Nature”

2. Math Prompt: In your own words, how is nature kaleidoscope of shapes with many variations on a few basic themes?

Assessment:

1. Review worksheet with sketches of the six-basic mathematical shapes in nature.
2. Review journal entries in response to art and math prompts.

3. Evaluate Shapes in Nature quiz.

Shapes in Nature Quiz

Shape of Things - Video Worksheet