Title of Book: Sir Cumference and the First Round Table
Author: Cindy Neuschwander
Publisher/Year: Charlesbridge Publishing, 1997
ISBN-13: 978-1-57091-160-6
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: 5-7 grade geometry
TEKS:
6.6 Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student uses geometric vocabulary to describe angles, polygons, and circles.
(B) identify relationships involving angles in triangles and quadrilaterals; and
(C) describe the relationship between radius, diameter, and circumference of a circle.
6.11Underlying processes and mathematical tools. The student applies Grade 6 mathematics to solve problems connected to everyday experiences, investigations in other disciplines, and activities in and outside of school.
7. 9 Measurement. The student solves application problems involving estimation and measurement. The student is expected to:
(A) estimate measurements and solve application problems involving length (including perimeter and circumference) and area of polygons and other shapes.
Summary:
In this adventure of Sir Cumference and his family, the King finds a communication problem with his table and seating arrangement as he and his knights discuss important matters of the kingdom. It is up to Sir Cumference to problem solve how to fit 12 people around a table that is both pleasing for seating and communication. Sir Cumference, with the help of his wife Lady Di of Ameter and their son Radius, brainstorm ideas and find the perfect fit to the seating puzzle.
Materials Needed:
Copy of Sir Cumference and the First Round Table, a place to display vocabulary words like a white board or chalk board, 2 pieces of copy paper for every student, scissors, and pens or pencils. You may want to have tape, glue, and rulers handy if students want to use them.
Suggested Activity:
Vocabulary Matchbook Foldable
Read the entire story aloud to the class and ask students to write down any words they think may be geometry vocabulary words. At the conclusion of the story, have students compare their words with their neighbors to see if anyone has any different vocabulary words. Allow 2 minutes for this discussion.Then ask for volunteers to share their vocabulary words aloud. Keep track of a class list where the students can see their responses in the class, such as a white board or chalk board. At the conclusion of the discussion, probe students for prior knowledge of definitions. If the majority of the class does not know the definition of the vocabulary word, circle it for the class to see. You should be able to narrow the list down to 5-6 words.
Next, have students take their clean sheet of copy paper and fold it almost vertically (hot dog), leaving a one inch margin on the right side. Have students divide the folded paper into either five or six equal sections, depending on the number of vocabulary words your class needs. Instruct students to cut the narrower side of the paper only to the folded margin. (See included diagram of fold and cuts on second document.) List the selected vocabulary words on the separate sections of the foldable when it is closed. The folded margin should be on the left side of the foldable and it should open on the right. Open the first section of the foldable and write down the definition of the word in the section to the right. Have students draw a picture of the vocabulary word on the left section. Repeat this process until all words are defined. When the students are finished working, fold the one inch overlay closed so that the entire foldable stays closed.
Suggested Vocabulary to Chose From:
Rectangle, Square, Geometry, Parallelogram, Triangle, Octagon, Oval, Circle, Circumference, Diameter, Radius.
References:
For foldable ideas, please visit the Dinah Zykes web site. http://www.dinah.com/
Extensions:
~You may want to make two foldables if you want to include all of the vocabulary words.
~Give the students a pre-made rectangle that could be cut in half to form a square and then go through the book making the shapes illustrated.
~You could also have a pre-made circle with the center marked and allow students to experiment with the diameter and radius remaining constant on the circle as they tried to measure at any point on the circle.
~You may also create a template to use with the vocabulary words instead of creating the foldable.
~Glue the foldable into an Interactive Notebook to reference later.
Adapted by: Michelle Wells (2011)