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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Get the turtle to the pond

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L396

A lesson plan for grades K–2 Mathematics

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This lesson from Illuminations provides opportunities for creative problem solving while encouraging young students to estimate length and angle measure. Students are asked to enter a sequence of LOGO commands to help the turtle get to the pond. Children can write their own solutions using LOGO commands and input them into the computer. The turtle then moves and leaves a trail or path according to the instructions given. Two possible solutions or paths that students might have produced can be seen. You can clear any path and then create a new path that will get the turtle to the pond.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 1

  • Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will use non-standard units of measure and tell time.
    • Objective 2.01: For given objects:
      • Select an attribute (length, capacity, mass) to measure (use non-standard units).
      • Develop strategies to estimate size.
      • Compare, using appropriate language, with respect to the attribute selected.
  • Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will identify, describe, draw, and build basic geometric figures.

Grade 2

  • Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will recognize and use standard units of metric and customary measurement.
    • Objective 2.01: Estimate and measure using appropriate units.
      • Length (meters, centimeters, feet, inches, yards).
      • Temperature (Fahrenheit).

Kindergarten

  • Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will explore the concepts of geometry.
    • Objective 3.03: Model and use directional and positional vocabulary.
    • Objective 3.04: Complete simple spatial visualization tasks and puzzles.