SDMS 6 Lesson Two










The following is a sample of an integrated lesson plan with Lego® constructives and the existing SDMS 6th Grade Math Curriculum.




PI:


  • OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to identify and calculate the ratio of a wheel's circumference to its diameter.


  • KEY VOCABULARY: Circle, Diameter, Circumference, radius, PI


  • MATERIALS: Paper, pencil, marker, ruler, AOE Lab


  • DISCUSSION:


    Lead a class discussion about "ratios". A ratio is a comparison of two things, such as black and white bricks. Ratios are a common math tool. One thing that may be compared is the diameter ( how wide across ) and the circumference ( how far around ) of a circle. These are ratios to tire and auto manufacturers.

    Have each student or team gather three different sized LEGO® tires.



  • ACTIVITY 1: Require students to measure the diameter and circumference of the smallest tire.





  • ACTIVITY 2: Require students to calculate the ratio of circumference to diameter of the smallest tire. Express the ratios as a fraction ( C/D ). Require students to convert the fraction to a decimal.





  • ACTIVITY 3: Repeat the experiment for the other two tires. Require students to list all results. Are there any patterns? What would be the ratio of Circumference to Diameter of the instructor's right front car tire?



    Note: My measurements are approximate



  • ACTIVITY 4: Lead a class discussion involving the concept of PI. Challenge students to calculate the circumference of a wheel without being able to measure it, although the diameter can be estimated. ( Hint: This requires students to use the formula 2*r*pi )








    SDMS Grade 6 Math Curriculum

    SAMPLE LESSON 1! SAMPLE LESSON 2! SAMPLE LESSON 3! SAMPLE LESSON 4! SAMPLE LESSON 5! SAMPLE LESSON 6!






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    Created 3-1999. Thanks to Eric Brok for suggesting this lesson! Visit his website!

    Copyright© 1999 by Richard Wright for PCS® Education Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved