Grade One: Overview of the Units

Geometry Shape Games: Geometry with Imi and Zani

Geometry helps us make sense of the world about us. Shapes and their motions actually define the space we live in. Geometry also helps us learn more about other areas of mathematics such as number, algebra, and measurement.

In Exploring Shape Games: Geometry with Imi and Zani students explore two-dimensional shapes and in doing so discover properties of these shapes rather than memorize definitions given to them. The reasoning and spatial sense skills that they use help them develop an understanding of the properties of shapes, the relationships among shapes, symmetry, and congruence.

Chapter 1 explores composing and decomposing two-dimensional shapes. The mathematically correct names of polygons are presented and students focus not only on the number of sides of shapes, but also the number of vertices.
Chapter 2 focuses on describing, sorting, and classifying shapes by their attributes such as sides, angles, shape, color, and size.
Chapter 3 investigates congruency and symmetry of two-dimensional shapes.

Throughout the unit students are involved in testing out geometry games for Imi and Zani, a macaw and Toucan from the Amazon Rain Forest. Students play games such as Groupo, MOVE It! REMOVE It!, The One-Loop Game, Carroll Diagram Puzzles, and Match It Up and then provide feedback to Imi and Zani.

The School Measurement Fair: Measuring with Imi and Zani

Young students use measurement concepts and processes in their everyday lives as they explore the world around them at home, at school, and in their community. They wonder how heavy a box of toys is, how big the playground is, and how long their new classroom pet snake is. And this is just for starters! Thinking and acting like mathematicians, they can answer all these questions over time as they come to understand the concepts of measurement and the skills involved in the measurement process.

Chapter 1 focuses on the attribute of weight. Young students think about weight as “how heavy an object is.” Students will gain experience with comparing a variety of objects of different weights and determine which is heavier, lighter, or are they about the same.
Chapter 2 involves measuring area, using square inch tiles, and making comparisons. Students experiment with covering a variety of surfaces to discover that they must use the same unit repeatedly or numerous identical units and that they must cover the surface completely with no gaps or overlaps.
Chapter 3 focuses on length, an attribute which involves a complex set of measurement processes and concepts. Students will compare and order lengths, learn how to measure with the standard unit of an inch, and create an inch ruler.

Throughout the unit students work with Imi and Zani to prepare a School Measurement Fair.