Activity Introduction
Quick summary: During this lesson students investigate, estimate, identify and classify shapes in the outdoors. They use their knowledge of different shapes to practise their measurement skills while observing their school environment in a different way.
This lesson is designed to be taught outside. It contains all the tools required for students to reap the benefits of being outdoors while learning the outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.
Learning goals:
- Students establish and use formulas for areas such as trapeziums, rhombuses and kites.
- Students investigate the circumference and area of circles by measuring or estimating.
- Students understand how to use formulas to calculate area.
- Students recognise the mental, physical and academic benefits of completing classroom activities outside.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 8 Mathematics
- Find perimeters and areas of parallelograms, trapeziums, rhombuses and kites (ACMMG196)
- Investigate the relationship between features of circles such as circumference, area, radius and diameter. Use formulas to solve problems involving circumference and area (ACMMG197)
General capabilities: Numeracy, Critical and Creative Thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.
Relevant parts of Year 8 Mathematics achievement standards: Students perform calculations to determine perimeter and area of parallelograms, rhombuses and kites. They name the features of circles and calculate the areas and circumferences of circles.
Topic: Outdoor Learning, Biodiversity.
Unit of work: Outdoor Learning Unit.
Time required: 60-70 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity and facilitate discussion.
Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet. Device capable of presenting a website to the class. Foraging for Shapes – Worksheet for each group. Copy of Formula sheet – Perimeter and Area for students needing extra support. Rulers and/or tape measures. Pen/texta and paper for making mind-maps.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Keywords: Circle, parallelogram, rhombus, trapezium, geometry, estimating, area, perimeter, outdoor learning.
Cool Australia would like to thank the Albert George & Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust – managed by Equity Trustees.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation
