To assess prior learning, have students identify different shapes and lines used in the classroom. Discuss the relationship between these shapes and lines and those in previous lessons.
Ask students to use only a square to create a simple picture of an animal. Have students describe how the shape they selected dictated the animal they created or how the animal they selected dictated the shape they used. This focuses student’s attention on the relationship between properties of figures and their uses.
To begin the lesson, organize students in pairs at computers, and ask them to research the artist Wassily Kandinsky. Give them 5-7 minutes to find several sites with Kandinsky paintings, and then encourage them to identify the various geometric figures Kandinksy used in his paintings. If printers are available, you may wish to have each pair of students print images of Kandinsky's work and share them with the class while describing the geometric figures that they found.
After a period of exploration, distribute the Scavenger Hunt activity sheet.
Have each pair of students select one painting that is their favorite. Explain that the class will discuss the location of each of the items on the list once the pairs of students complete their searches. Collect the
Scavenger Hunt results from each student to use in the next lesson.
Have students write a description of the shapes, color schemes, and designs Kandinsky used in his paintings. Collect these work samples and review them for students’ understanding of geometric figures and their properties.
