Angles is a fun Maths topic to teach – but let me show you a way to take those measuring angles lessons to the next lesson!
I first discovered Angle Fans when I was teaching Year 5. They have since become an activity that I include every year in my upper primary Maths classes to expore angle properties and to practise measuring angles informally. I am excited to share the idea with you so that you and your students can hopefully join in on the fun with me!
Curriculum links
But before I explain to you how to make them, let me explain what outcomes this little activity can be ticking off (or at the very least contributing to the learning of!): Year 6 Maths
Identify the relationships between angles on a straight line, angles at a point and vertically opposite angles; use these to determine unknown angles, communicating reasoning (AC9M6M04) Year 5 Maths
Estimate, construct and measure angles in degrees, using appropriate tools including a protractor, and relate these measures to angle names (AC9M5M04) Year 4 Maths
estimate and compare angles using angle names including acute, obtuse, straight angle, reflex and revolution, and recognise their relationship to a right angle (AC9M4M04)
I probably wouldn’t try this activity with kiddos any younger than year 4. It is a little fiddly and may become a class management nightmare if you want them to complete it independently!
The Process
Step 1 Decorate and then cut out two squares of paper or choose two coloured squares of paper already to cut to size. *Decorate both sides so you see the decorations after folding.
Step 2 Concertina fold each square by folding over and under, over and under until you have two springs.
Step 3 Fold your springs in half so the open ends meet and glue the halves together. Let them dry for a few minutes.
Step 4 Now you are going to glue each of the squares together to create a larger fan. Let them dry for a few minutes.
Step 5 Get two popsticks and have an adult help you to cut one curved end off. Put some glue on a popstick and stick it in the first fold of one side of your fan.
Step 6 Do the same with the other popstick to the other side of the fan.
Step 7 Now you can pull out the fan by the popsticks to make some angles! Pull it gently right around to form a circle!
So what do you reckon? Will you try this activity next time you are teaching angles to your upper primary students?
I love integrating art and maths! It is an awesome way to bring a difficult or more boring Maths topic to life.
When you are teaching your students how to measure angles to your upper primary students, art is the most fun way to get your kiddos excited about the topic.
Today I thought I would share with you one of my most favourite Maths + Art ideas!! The result is truly amazing and it ticks HEAPS of teaching and learning goals at the same time.
Curriculum links
But before I share with you what the activity is, let me explain what outcomes this unit can be ticking off (or at the very least contributing to the learning of!): Year 6 Maths
Identify the relationships between angles on a straight line, angles at a point and vertically opposite angles; use these to determine unknown angles, communicating reasoning (AC9M6M04) Year 6 Visual Arts
Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to plan and create artworks that communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning (AC9AVA6C01).
Select and present documentation of visual arts practice, and display artworks in informal and/or formal settings (AC9AVA6O01). Year 5 Maths
Estimate, construct and measure angles in degrees, using appropriate tools including a protractor, and relate these measures to angle names (AC9M5M04) Year 5 Visual Arts
Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to plan and create artworks that communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning (AC9AVA6C01).
Select and present documentation of visual arts practice, and display artworks in informal and/or formal settings (AC9AVA6O01). Year 4 Maths
estimate and compare angles using angle names including acute, obtuse, straight angle, reflex and revolution, and recognise their relationship to a right angle (AC9M4M04)
Year 4 Visual Arts
Experiment with a range of ways to use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials (AC9AVA4D01).
Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to create artworks that communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning (AC9AVA4C01).
I probably wouldn’t try this activity with kiddos any younger than year 4. I’m not sure they would completely be able to visualise and implement the skills required to complete the artwork. The exploration of angles below year 3 is a lot simpler too, so other activities may be of more assistance with their learning at this age level.
The Process
Step 1 Trace a straight-edged outline of your animal onto white paper. Use a window or light box to help you see the image clearly.
Step 2 Place 3-5 dots within your image to become points of interest.
Step 3 Use a ruler and pencil to draw lines from the points of interests to the intersections and the outline of the body to create angles within your image.
Step 4 Go over your pencil lines with a fine liner and erase the pencil markings.
Step 5 Have your students then colour in each section they have created inside their animal outline. You can also then have the cut out their animal and glue it next to the original image onto a black piece of card.
Step 6 Have your students try to find all the different types of angles they have learnt about.
What do you reckon? Will you try this activity next time you are teaching angles to your upper primary students?
