Shapes in Nature: Geometry Activity
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30 minutesGradesKMathematics
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Written by Elizabeth Ward
About this activity
This activity encourages teachers and students to apply math knowledge to the natural world around them. Students will identify shapes in nature and describe specific shape characteristics.
Everything you need to teach it
- Shapes in Nature: Geometry ActivityView Activity
Teaching tips
- Display the Shape Friends or Shapes in Nature posters in the classroom or Math Center/Station.
- Take time to discuss and explore what makes each shape special (e.g., lines, angles, etc.).
- Take students on a nature walk around the school or playground to use their shape windows or participate in the Shape Scavenger Hunt. If students don’t have access to a safe outdoor space consider doing a virtual nature walk.
- Weather permitting, take your lessons outside!
- Depending on students’ fine motor skills, creating the shape windows could be a Center/Station activity on its own.
From the scientist review
Students can practice basic geometry by drawing different shapes and trying to imagine what shape certain physical features have in their natural surroundings. They learn to value nature and what they can do to preserve it as a result of the lesson. This activity includes well-cited learning materials and has passed our science assessment.
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About the teacher writer
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Elizabeth Ward
Elizabeth Ward, B.S., is SubjectToClimate's Chief Product Officer. She has more than 12 years of teaching experience across 3rd-grade science and social studies, Kindergarten, and online EFL, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement. She has spent 8 years in the education sector, spanning curriculum development and ed tech. Outside of work, she loves exploring the natural beauty of her home state of Texas.
