Lesson 1: (A) Symmetry Grade Level: K-5 (Adaptable)
Suggested
Time: 45-60 minutes
Overview
Students will learn about symmetry and other patterns found in the
natural world, in objects, and in people. They will look at coins and
bills of currency for examples of both symmetry and asymmetry, then
practice making and designing (a) symmetrical objects on their own.
Vocabulary
- Symmetry
-
Asymmetry
-
Patterns
-
Currency
-
Money
-
Chain Dolls
Objectives
- Students will observe patterns occurring in objects, nature, and in
people.
-
Students will observe currencies from around the world, handle real
U.S. currency, and look for patterns in the design of these
currencies.
-
Students will practice making patterns of their own.
Next Generation Science
Standards
- PS1-6. Asking Questions; Planning and Carrying Out Investigations;
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Common Core Mathematical
Standards
- OA. Operations and Algebraic Thinking
-
NBT. Number and Operations in Base Ten
Required Project
Materials
- Real money (such as a dollar, $5, and $10) and coins
-
Paper
-
Scissors
-
Markers, pens, and pencils
-
Craft glue
-
Paint
-
Construction paper of various colors
-
Other crafty materials, such as pipe cleaners, fuzzballs, googly eyes,
sequins, etc.
Multimedia Resources
- What is Symmetry in Nature? Bobbie Kalman.
http://amzn.com/0778733475
-
What is Money? (Money Around the World.) Rebecca Rissman.
http://amzn.com/ 1432910779
-
“Paper Doll Chains”. Friday Fun Craft Projects. Aunt Annie’s
Crafts. http://
www.auntannie.com/FridayFun/DollChain/
Optional Multimedia
Resources
- There are many instructions for various chains of figures available
online.
Before the Lesson/ Background
Information
- Print chain doll instructions.
-
Collect a few examples of U.S. money to be used in class (bills and
coins).
Homework from Previous
Session:
The Lesson
Part 1: Reading Together (15 mins)
-
Read What is Symmetry in Nature? with the students.
-
Make it fun: read with energy and give the characters voices!
-
Review key terms from the book. Have the students think of examples of
asymmetry.
Part 2: Scouting for Symmetry (20
mins)
- Have students look at examples of currencies from around the world in
What is Money? (Money Around the World.) Hint: there are
usually examples of both symmetry and asymmetry in money!
-
Next, pass around examples of U.S. currency. What patterns can the
students observe in the money? What about the coins?
Part 3: Chain Doll Competition (25
mins)
- Separate the students into two teams: the symmetry and asymmetry team.
You can either divide the class equally in half (as an example of
symmetry, perhaps!) or allow students to pick which team they want to
join (and see what kind of asymmetry shows up!).
-
Pass out instructions for making chain dolls and do a demonstration
for the class. Have students make chain dolls from plain paper and
assist the teams and individual students as needed.
-
Once the chain dolls are made, students should decorate them using the
other craft materials, pens, paints, etc. The symmetry team members
should make theirs as symmetrical as possible. The asymmetry team
members should make theirs asymmetrical! There are many ways to do
this: they can make their characters into cyclops, crazy fashionistas,
etc. Encourage both teams to be as creative as possible.
-
Have the students put the designs up for display on one of the
classroom walls.
Lesson 2: Where’s George? Grade Level: K-6 (Adaptable)
Suggested
Time: 45-60 minutes
Overview
This lesson concerns the way money gets around to many different people
and places. Students will learn about how money travels, then explore
the site “Where’s George?” which tracks the journeys of real dollar
bills. Finally, in groups, students will compose stories or skits
relating the travels of any currency of their choice (a dime, a nickel,
a twenty dollar bill—whatever they like).
Vocabulary
- Currency
-
Exchange
-
Economy
Objectives
- Students will think about how money exchanges between various
individuals and businesses.
-
Students will learn how exchange functions within an economy.
Next Generation Science
Standards
- PS1-6. Asking Questions; Planning and Carrying Out Investigations;
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Common Core Mathematical
Standards
- OA. Operations and Algebraic Thinking
-
NBT. Number and Operations in Base Ten
Required Project
Materials
- Notebooks
-
Pens, markers, and pencils
-
Computer lab or computer for demonstration with live internet
Multimedia Resources
- The Go-Around Dollar. Barbara Johnston Adams and Joyce Audy
Zarins. http:// amzn.com/0027000311
-
“Where’s George?”
http://www.wheresgeorge.com
Optional Multimedia
Resources
Before the Lesson/ Background
Information
- Familiarize with the “Where’s George?” website if you have not seen
it before.
Homework from Previous
Session:
The Lesson
Part 1: Money Travels (30 mins)
-
Read The Go-Around Dollar with the students. Have fun with it
and give voices to the characters.
-
Have the students pass around a dollar among each other, exchanging it
for marbles and other classroom items.
-
Show the website “Where’s George?” and click on various bills that
have been tracked on the website. Have the class imagine stories for
these bills. What happened to them?
Part 2: Money Stories (30
mins)
- Separate the class into groups.
-
Have each student come up with a story about the journey of a unit of
currency. It can be any unit: a $50 bill, a quarter, a nickel or
penny. They can either write the story and read it to the class, or do
a skit for the class.