Ladybug Adventures

Resources and Tools for Elementary Math Specialists and Teachers

RegisterSign inLearn about the benefits of registering

The activities in this four-lesson unit enable students to use their knowledge of number, measurement, and geometry to solve interesting problems. Planning and visualizing, estimating and measuring, and testing and revising are components of the ladybug activities. Students design "virtual paths" that enable a ladybug to either hide under a leaf or go through a maze. They develop navigational skills by testing their path and revising it. Two interactive Java applets (Ladybug Mazes and Hiding Ladybug, cataloged separately) support student solutions.

Average

(1 Comments)

Contributed by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics - Publisher, Carol Midgett - Author

This resource is included in the following PD Collection(s):
Developing Geometric ConceptsThis collection helps educators determine best practices for developing their students’ geometric thinking about shape and space. The resources include research and expert commentary about children’s capacity for understanding geometric concepts, as well as teaching suggestions and activities that can be used in the classroom.
Introducing Measurement Concepts K-2This collection of resources is intended to help educators introduce measurement concepts to primary grade students. The resources assist in teaching the concepts of units of measurement, recognizing measurable attributes, comparing sizes, and estimating measurements. Videos, articles, instructor guides, lessons and unit plans are included. More measurement resources can be found in a companion classroom collection and in a second PD collection for grades 3-5.

Math TopicGeometry, Measurement, Number Sense, Algebraic Thinking, Mathematical Practices, Mathematical Processes

Grade LevelK, 1, 2

Resource TypeInteractive Media, Unit of Instruction

Additional Information
- AudienceEducator
- LanguageEnglish (USA)
- Education Topic
- Interdisciplinary Connection
- Professional DevelopmentNo
- ContributorNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics - Publisher, Carol Midgett - Author
- Publication Date2011
- Rights(c) 2000 - 2011 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  http://illuminations.nctm.org/termsofuse.aspx
- AccessFree access
Standards
- Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
  Select a standards document:
- Standards for Mathematical Practice[K-12]
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.[K-12]
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively.[K-12]
- Measurement and Data[K - 5]
- Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.[1]
- 2. Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps. Limit to contexts where the object being measured is spanned by a whole number of length units with no gaps or overlaps.[1]
- Geometry[K - 8]
- Identify and describe shapes (squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, hexagons, cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres).[K]
- 2. Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.[K]
- Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes.[K]
- 4. Analyze and compare two- and three-dimensional shapes, in different sizes and orientations, using informal language to describe their similarities, differences, parts (e.g., number of sides and vertices/"corners") and other attributes (e.g., having sides of equal length).[K]
- Reason with shapes and their attributes.[1 - 3]
- 1. Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes.[1]
Related Resources
- Ladybug Mazes
- Hiding Ladybug
User Comments
- Average
  5
  
  Problem Solve with a Routine
  By Uncle Bob on 06/25/2012 - 10:11
- These four challenges not only address concepts in geometry, measurement and problem solving, they give learners a chance to work in a Logo-like programming environment. Super!

Mathlanding is a project of Maryland Public Television in partnership with The Math Forum at Drexel University
and the International Society for Technology in Education. © 2012 Maryland Public Television

Ladybug Adventures

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics