Nature Math

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to update you about the math we are doing during our unit the Nature Connection.

First, we are doing math in a series of books dealing with real-life math topics. The work on these is due by May 30th at the latest.

• The math books are Planet Earth Math and Animal Kingdom Math. For quick finishers, there are also the books on Oceans and Space.
• Both books can be found on EPIC
• EPIC can be accessed from anywhere online during school hours and up to 4PM. After that time, students can still access it if parents sign up for the free extended access at home. If you need any assistance with this, please contact Ms. D. I can make paper copies available if necessary.
• The topics deal with standard curriculum in grade 4/5 and are linked to nature themes connected to our unit.
• Ms. D is providing some time in class, and during those sessions, students can come for one-on-one lesson or help with questions.
• Students mark their own answers. If they miss any questions, they need to figure out what happened or ask for my help and we will figure it out together.
• Students will report their scores to me on each book by May 14th.

Second, we will be focusing on geometry as we look for patterns in nature.

• First, we talked about the different kinds of shapes and the math vocabulary we use to classify them.
• Then, we explored pentominoes, which allowed us to review the math terms of translation, rotation, and reflection in terms of congruent shapes. We did several thinking challenges about these in class.
• We discussed Science and Symmetry, watching a video on Ted Ed talking about how symmetry has a scientific purpose. We also discussed how indigenous thinking about the nature around us and traditional scientific thought can be combined to have deeper understandings of why nature is the way it is.
• Students did a symmetry challenge using the Fold and Cut Theorem. It was harder than it looked!
• Next, we will be discussing angles and doing some hands-on work measuring so we understand different angles we can find in nature, practice doing accurate measuring, and so we know the different types of angles using math vocabulary. We will also use angles to find the height of trees.
• We will look at Fibonacci, and do some drawing and investigating of pine cones and outdoor plants to see the sequence in action.
• Students will also receive some practice handouts for geometry to help reinforce ideas.

Third, we will be making our own outdoor education playground model.

• This will be an ADST project. Please stay tuned for a separate post about what to do for this project, which will be due in June.