Geometry - Bruce Moody

Geometry - Measuring of the earth

We constrain the geometry to limited shapes and children thinks that's what it is. We have branded different shapes with different names. Teachers need to be careful that students do not over-generalise the appearance of proto-typical shapes. There is research that suggests that if students learn geometry through the association of a term with a single version of a shape, it causes difficulties later e.g. Students who are given a plastic isosceles triangle as “the triangle” they may later reject an obtuse-angled triangle because it does not match the ‘branding’. The features of the single example are held by the student to be all-important.

 For eg octagon has to look like this but has to have eight straight sides with eight sharp corners.There is also the suggestion to examine purpose and function involved with shapes; rolling, stacking and packing for example, and not simply naming and describing features. we need to start linking compass points typically eight points - North, North east, North south, South, South,South West

Why circle is 360?

Angles are turns.

360 is a full turn, If something is turning around more than once, it will be more than 360. So  need to teach children that 

1/4 turn = right angle = 1/4 of 360= 90

Triangles

Different shape rather than a regular branded shape. Draw five different type of triangles, or five different types octagons

Circle is not just a shape but it is set of points, certain construction. Use a string to do this by tying a chalk on one end and draw a circle keeping same distance.

Diameter is the longest chord. You need to know how to find it. Sometimes you cant physically find the centre then how to figure out the diameter.

Net - you make a dice using the net and then put the numbers on it remembering the pattern ( the opposite sides add up to 7) 

If we are putting names on the cube, how are we gonna put the names so that when you fold it they are in the right direction.

Use a book on a piece of paper and draw a net rather than imaging.. Use roll and draw method.

How many ways of you can roll and draw possible nets. There are more than 1 way to draw nets.

Developing spatial awareness will allow you to see different nets will work. 

Maps

Maps are not zones but points (Co ordinates)

Directions

Different cultures work from East as sun rises in the east and from there work out north.