
LESSON 7: TABLETOP-O
DESCRIPTION:
Students will use a model village to practice the relationship between objects, view a space from the top-down, and begin to develop basic concepts of matching objects to shapes on a map.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
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Spatial Awareness
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Symbols
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Map Orientation
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Top-Down Perspective
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Teamwork
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Communication
MATERIALS:
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5-7 Objects
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3-4 Different types
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Popsicle sticks
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Lego houses
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Rocks
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Blank paper
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Pencils
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Flat surface
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Obstacle course obstacles
INTRO:
Orienteering maps show objects in real life. Students will use a tiny village to learn how to read a map, and will then play a game in the tiny village. In order to play the game, students will have to learn how to identify objects based on their shapes, how to orient a map to match real life, and work together as a team.
WARM-UP:
Copycat: Students copy whatever movements the instructor demonstrates, or follow whichever instructions are provided by the teacher.
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Obstacle Course: Students run, jump, and crawl their way through a series of obstacles as quickly as they can.
MAIN ACTIVITES:
Tabletop-O - Students use a variety of objects and maps to make tiny villages, understand the relationship between 2D shapes and 3D objects, and play a hide-and-seek game inside of the tiny village.
REFLECTION:
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What did we learn about the shapes of objects? Do they look different depending on which side you look at them?
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Why do we draw maps based on looking down from above? What would happen if we tried to draw a map based on what we see from the ground?
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What was challenging about deciding which map matched the village?
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How did you work together to find the scrap of paper, and later to build a village? What other ways can you work together?
EXTRA ACTIVITY:
Treasure Collectors: Students hide and find objects scattered throughout the area.
NOTES:
It is very important to start with an active warm-up game, since many students are eager to move around and play after a day of school. We also want kids to be fit and healthy, so it's important to offset a slow-paced learning activity with a fast-paced fun activity.
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It is also important to emphasize teamwork during this activity. Teaching the kids to work together and cooperate will not only make your life easier, but it is a crucial life skill for them to develop as well.