The third lesson in this chapter addresses area of a circle and is differentiated for process, product, student interest and readiness. The lesson has a menu of seven activities to give students a variety of experiences in finding the area of a circle. Each menu item is a different strategy for determining an approximate area of a circle, with the objective being that students understand the concept of area of the circle as well as the formula. Students were paired with another student, based on interests, strengths, learning styles, personality, and readiness. All students completed menu item number 7, and then each partnership was assigned 2 other menu items. If they completed these, they could complete as many of the other items as they had time for. The menu items/strategies were: 1) Count squares 2) Inscribe and circumscribe squares 3) The octagonal/Egyptian strategy 4) The simulated parallelogram – Kepler’s derivation 5) Find area by weighing 6) Measuring area ...
As a middle school teacher, there are many moments to reflect upon. This blog will be a place to reflect upon all of those moments (and more)!