Monday, October 25, 2010

Identifying Similarities and Differences

9 comments:

  1. My fourth grade math students used a Venn Diagram this past week to sort polygons by acute angles, right angles, or both as part of our daily warm-up activity. During the cool down activity, we continued by sorting polygons according to the number of sides. Both activities were a success with the kids. We will expand this activity during the next couple of weeks to include another circle in our Venn Diagram for polygons with obtuse angles, as well. SOL Objectives addressed:

    4.15 The student will
    a) identify and draw representations of points, lines, line segments, rays, and angles (2001) and

    4.12 The student will
    a) define polygon; and
    b) identify polygons with 10 or fewer sides.(2011)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think this is a unique and visual way to teach a difficult concept.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Soon after our professional development day, I used a Venn Diagram to show my Pre-Algebra students how to find the greatest common factor of two and three numbers.

    Later we expanded the lesson to find the GCF of algebraic expressions. It was much easier for them to grasp the concept using the diagram.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I used a Venn Diagram to help my fourth graders understand the differences between England's and America's ideas of government during the American Revolution. They easily came up with the differences, but I had to lead them in finding similarities because they weren't very familiar with how the British Parliament worked. It was very effective and helped them tremendously in their homework assignment of completing two Cloze Sentence paragraphs.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mrs. Gardner,
    Very appropriate to assist students with identifying similar/different characteristics. The more students engage in this task, the less modeling is needed as students become more skillful in higher order thinking.

    ReplyDelete
  6. In the reading story "Moving Day" we looked at the
    similarities/differences between the old shell and the new
    shell. I modeled using a Venn Diagram; then the students
    used a Venn Diagram and they either drew pictures or wrote
    phrases to show sim./differences between two other shells
    mentioned in the story; once this activity was completed,
    they met with a buddy and discussed their diagrams; lots of
    good oral language was used; while walking around, I
    observed children pointing to their diagrams and discussing
    their selections; students were focused on the activity; it
    was interesting to see how they went a steip further-they
    began telling how their Venn Diagrams were similiar and
    different from their partners!! Once the reading assessment
    was given at the end of the week, the students scored
    well/showed good understanding of this skill.

    Anita Ward

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lesson Plan for Similarities/Differences(Group I) Implemented in Classroom
    Submitted by: Tanya Deel(Kindergarten Teacher)

    WebLink:http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?id=L871

    Squares are Special Rectangles |
    Students compare and sort rectangles and special rectangles called squares learning to distinguish between the two using their attributes. They will use manipulatives to form squares and rectangles. They will also identify and take pictures of squares and rectangles around school and make a class book.


    Learning Objectives
    -Name, describe and sort squares and rectangles. Use manipulatives to build squares and rectangles.
    •Recognize these shapes in their environment.•
    Instructional Plan
    Before beginning this lesson cut

    Squares and Rectangles Activity Sheet

    Expectations
    Geometry Pre-K-2NCTM Standards and

    ReplyDelete
  8. Social Studies Lesson Plan
    Similarities and Differences
    First Grade
    Submitted by: Norma Crowder

    Purpose: The purpose is to compare and contrast George Washington and Abraham Lincoln while also learning historical events.

    Activity 1: Introduction to topic by completing KWL charts on both Washington and Lincoln.

    Activity 2: Using leveled books the teacher will read first about George Washington.

    An “Inside-Outside” circle discussion will follow. The same will follow for Abraham Lincoln.

    Activity 3: Using a Venn diagram, students tell things they learned about each President.

    Activity 4: Conclusion. Go to http://voicethread.com. (Create a free account. Paste electronic pictures of each President on your thread.) Students should make comments about things they learned about each President. Use the Venn diagram to help students make factual comments.

    Revisit the KWL and see what students learned about George Washingtonand Abraham Lincoln by creating the voicethread.

    ReplyDelete