Solid Graphing

The students will review solid figures using a baggie of assorted snack mix (cones, cubes, cylinders, and spheres) and will begin a vertical bar graph showing the number of each solid figure in a bag of assorted snack mix.

A lesson plan for grade 3 Mathematics

By Lisa Fletcher

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Related topics

• Learn more about mathematics.

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• estimate the number of pieces of snack mix in their individual baggie.
• estimate the weight of the snack mix in ounces and grams.
• count and check the estimation made in number one.
• measure and check the results of the estimation made in number two.
• group solid figures according to their attributes.
• identify the correct name for a solid figure.

describe the attributes and the rules for grouping the solid figures

• construct a vertical bar graph showing the types and the numbers of solid figures.
• write three statements describing the results shown on the vertical bar graph.
• write three questions that can be answered by studying the data on the vertical bar graph.
• generate a vertical bar graph on the Kid Pix computer program using the information from the vertical bar graph made in number eight.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

1 hour

Materials/resources

• One baggie of assorted snacks per student (sphere=gumball, cube=cheese cube, cone=bugles, and a cylinder=mini-marshmallows).
• Scale
• Geometry/Data Collection/Sorting Mat Handout
• Bar Graphs Transparencies
• Bar Graphs Student Copies
• Kid Pix Computer Program
• Loose Leaf Paper
• Pencils
• Crayons/Colored Pencils
• Overhead

Technology resources

Kid Pix Computer Program

Pre-activities

This activity is designed to be used at the conclusion of distinguishing between plane and solid figures; with the emphasis being on solid figures. Students should be able to identify the plane figures; circle, square, triangle, and rectangle. Students should be able to list the number of faces, the number of edges, and the number of corners of all of the solid figures.

Activities

1. Review plane figures.
2. Distribute the Geometry/Data Collection/Sorting Mat Handout.
3. Distribute assorted snack baggies.
4. Estimate the number of objects in students’ baggies prior to opening the package. Record the estimation on the handout. Estimate the weight of the package and record the estimation on the handout.
5. Weigh the snack baggies and record the weight on the handout.
6. Open the snack baggies and count the number of pieces. Record the number on the handout. As the pieces are counted, sort them into the appropriate categories.
7. Name the solid figures.
8. Describe the attributes of the solid figures (rules for sorting); the number of faces, the number of edges, and the number of corners.
9. Discuss the parts of a graph: title, labels, and information.
10. Construct a class vertical bar graph (overhead).
11. Choose a title.
12. Insert labels (# of solids, Solid Figures)
13. Write the word cube at the bottom of the first column.
14. Look at the sorting map to reaffirm the number of cubes.
15. Shade in the appropriate number of boxes in the cubes column.
16. Continue in this manner until a column has been completed for each solid figure.
17. Discuss the results.
18. Write three statements (preferably comparisons between the solid figures) describing the results.
19. Write three questions taken from the data collection.
20. Construct student vertical bar graphs and follow steps 11-19.
21. Transfer the information gathered in steps 11-19 onto the Kid Pix computer program.

Assessment

Information on the sorting mats

Student Bar Graphs

Student oral and written responses to teacher directed questions

Student oral and written responses to statements and questions constructed

Supplemental information

Handouts
Name______________
Date______________

Geometry/Data Collection/Sorting Mat

1. I think there are ______ snack pieces in my bag.
2. I think the snack bag weighs ______ ounces; grams.
3. The actual number of snack pieces in my bag is ______.
4. The actual weight of the snack bag is ______.

Sorting

Cones

Cubes

Cylinders

Spheres

Other

Related websites

N/A

Comments

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