Unit Plan 31 (Grade 1 Math): Geometry—Build & Draw
Compose and draw 2D shapes using pattern blocks and digital tools while identifying defining attributes—sides, vertices, straight/curved, closed—and recognizing orientation doesn’t change the shape.
Focus: Draw and compose shapes using pattern blocks and digital tools; describe defining attributes (sides, vertices, straight/curved, closed) precisely and attend to orientation.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Mathematics (Geometry)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students investigate what makes a shape that shape. They learn to name defining attributes (number of sides/vertices, straight vs. curved, closed figure) and ignore non-defining ones (size, color, orientation). Using pattern blocks, geoboards, and simple drawing apps, students build, draw, compose, and decompose shapes and explain their choices with precise language.
Essential Questions
- Which features define a shape, and which do not?
- How can I compose and decompose shapes to make new ones?
- How does using a tool (pattern blocks, geoboard, app) help me model and explain my shape?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Build and draw shapes that have stated defining attributes (e.g., 3 straight sides → triangle).
- Compose two-dimensional shapes to create a composite shape and describe how it was made.
- Decompose composite shapes into familiar shapes; record a simple “recipe” (triangle + triangle → square).
- Use precise vocabulary (side, vertex, straight/curved, closed) and justify that orientation and size do not change the shape.
- Choose and use appropriate tools (pattern blocks, geoboard, digital drawing) to model shapes and explain reasoning.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1 (threaded across the unit)
- 1.G.1: Distinguish defining vs. non-defining attributes; build/draw shapes with defining attributes.
- 1.G.2: Compose two-dimensional shapes to create composite shapes and compose new shapes from composites.
- Mathematical Practices: MP.5 (Use appropriate tools) and MP.6 (Attend to precision) emphasized; MP.4 (Model) and MP.7 (Look for structure) threaded.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can tell which features make a triangle/rectangle/square and which don’t.
- I can build/draw a shape that fits given attributes and name its parts.
- I can compose/decompose shapes and explain my recipe clearly.