Shapes shape our world: An introduction to geometry

A unit on geometry was implemented in a second grade classroom in an urban school in a major northeastern city. The class is composed of 25 students, 12 boys and 13 girls. Eight of the students are below grade level and receive additional instruction.; The unit was implemented over the course of 16 class days. The overall goal for this unit was for students to realize that shapes, two-dimensional and three-dimensional, are all around us in the real-world. The focus of the unit was for students to identify and develop an understanding of the attributes of plane and solid figures. Students explored where shapes are found in everyday life.; The students applied the concepts geometric reasoning in this unit in a culminating design challenge. Their task was to create a geometric design using two-dimensional shapes for the geometry exhibit in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The specifications for the design challenge included: using between 12 and 30 geometric figures, using at least four different figures in the design, and requiring that each figure was touching the adjacent figure. The project constraints were: the students were required to use class materials provided and have five class periods to complete the design portfolio and design project.; It is essential to implement hands-on activities and assessments in the primary classroom. The design challenge was a new concept for the students, but proved to be an effective and rewarding learning experience. The students' mastery of the concepts in this geometry unit were successfully demonstrated by the completion of the design challenge.; Various assessment tools, such as pre and post-assessment surveys, teacher journals, attitude surveys and student journals, were given throughout the unit to measure students' attitudes toward the unit and to assure that students were grasping the concepts being taught. By the completion of the unit, students demonstrated a strong understanding of geometry concepts, developed an enthusiasm for math, and gained a realization that geometry can be seen and found around them.