Math Sculptures Concept Lesson

Math Sculpture

Math Sculptures are a great way to bring hands-on math into your classroom.

Materials:

  • Linker cubes
  • Paper
  • Markers
  • Stickers

Counting Collections

We usually start by distributing linking cubes. Our classrooms have a nice supply that came with our official district math program. We created counting collections that can be shared between classrooms. There are probably lots of ways to organize them. We just simply have them in a big bucket and hand out random fistfuls. Kids are allowed to get more or different colors if they need to.

Creating Sculptures

The kids love building with the cubes and come up with pretty interesting designs. Some kids simply create 3-dimensional patterns, others build animals or flowers. We don’t impose any rules other than not creating models of weapons.
Next, the kids have to take inventory. How many cubes did they use and how many of each color.

Creating Word Problems

Then comes the fun part. Creating math problems with the sculptures. This is the meat of the math sculptures concept lesson. Kids will use the sculptures to create their own math problems. The ability to manipulate the problem with the actual object is incredibly important to develop number sense.

Math Sculpture ExHibition

Last, the class has a math exhibition. We have half the class share and the other walk around and solve the different problems. Presenters give out stickers for each problem solved. The presenters then switch with the audience and this way everybody gets a turn.

Did you try it? Let us know in the comments below. For more fun and engaging hands-on math lessons click right here.

Concentric Circles Art Project

 

Concentric Circles

There is no must in art because art is free”

~Wassily Kandinski

The Artist

Wassily Kandinsky was known for his colorful abstract art. Born in Russia and trained as a lawyer, he became a well-known artist in the famous Blue Rider Group. He also taught at the German Bauhaus school of art. Later, he settled in France and died in Neuilly-sur-Seine in 1944.  A well-known work of art is his Concentric Circles.

Concentric Circles Art Project

Concentric Circles is a great project for students to feel successful. Even young students love experimenting with different color combinations.

We love using oil pastels for this project. The artist originally used paint and we have seen successful versions made with pretty much any art materials under the sun. You can pull this project off with crayons and scrap paper if necessary.

There are many YouTube video lessons to choose from to inspire your students. This is one of our favorites. The teacher used black construction paper instead of white and it looks great as well.

 

Materials For Concentric Circles

  • Paper
  • Pastels/Crayons

Procedure

Model folding the paper four times and then unfolding it. The creases become the frames for the concentric circles. Show students how to draw the circles with the oil pastels. The thicker they color in, the more colorful the image becomes.

Have fun creating! If you liked our concentric circles art project, please check out more of our (Almost) No Prep Art Projects.

Paul Klee Castles


Paul Klee castles are a great way to introduce kids to this wonderful artist.

Materials

  • Newsprint paper
  • Pastels
  • Marker
  • Watercolor

Procedure

Introduce the students to Paul Klee. Show the class several examples of his work. Demonstrate how to use shapes to draw a castle. Explain that they will make the outline with black oil pastel and then color in the shapes with watercolor and marker. Have fun!

Chickens in the Classroom

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Here a chick, there a chick, everywhere a chick chick…

Incubating chickens in the classroom is a great science activity and easier than you might think. A lot of science curriculums include incubating eggs as an optional activity.  Are you ready?

Step 1

Determine who will take the chicks after they hatch.  Since it is impossible to know how many will hatch it is good to find several interested parties and establish a procedure who gets to pick first.

Step 2

Order an incubator, heating lamp, and chick starter from Amazon.

Step 3

Get fertilized eggs.

Step 4

On a Tuesday morning start incubating the eggs.  Make sure to follow the instructions included in the incubator.

Step 5

21 days later enjoy watching your chicks hatch!