Following Plans
In this lesson, students do a fun maze activity (“Dig It!”) and map activity (“On a Hike!”).
OBJECTIVE
Understanding what a plan is and how it is used to build something.
MATERIALS
Reproducible 1, pen/pencil
REPRODUCIBLES
- Classroom poster (PDF)
- Reproducible 1: Following Plans (PDF)
DIRECTIONS
Steps
- Print out the classroom poster and hang it in the classroom. Ask students to describe what they see. Explain that George is building a bridge out of marshmallows, toothpicks, and cards. Explain that to build is “to make something by putting different parts together.”
- Tell students that an important part of building something is following a plan. Explain that a plan is “an idea or drawing that you follow when you build something.” Tell students that another word for plan is design. Write design on the board and say it aloud.
- Distribute Reproducible 1. Explain that following a plan is like following a path. You have to know where you are going and how to get there. Instruct students to follow the paths in “Dig It!”
- Write the word steps on the board. Explain that steps are “the things that you need to do in order to build or do something.” Ask students for examples of steps that they take every day (e.g., putting toothpaste on their toothbrush).
- Instruct students to look at “On a Hike.” Point out the compass on the left. Write the word compass on the board and say it aloud. Tell students that a compass is a tool that tells directions on a map. Explain that the directions the compass shows are north, east, south, and west. Instruct students to use the compass to answer the questions (answers: 1. north; 2. east).
- To reinforce vocabulary, review the terms build, plan, steps and compass and ask students to define them.
LESSON EXTENSION
Help your class understand how to follow directions by building a maze in the classroom. Arrange desks, tables, and chairs to create a path that students have to go through. Create road signs that direct students to turn left or right and go over or under tables and chairs. Alternatively, draw a map of the room on the board for students to follow.
ARTICLE
UNIT PLAN
ONLINE ACTIVITY
