The Montessori geometry curriculum formally introduces parts of a circle in the lower elementary years (ages 6-9). It is further explored in the upper elementary years, where learners measure the circumference and area of a circle using pi.
After receiving formal presentations, your learners can practice and maintain their skills using our new set of task cards, The Study of Circles. Our new set is divided into five parts which actively engage learners in naming parts and measuring various characteristics of a circle. A circle comprises parts learners must know before working with The Study of Circles:
-Circumference: The line outside the circle
-Diameter: The line that cuts through the circle in half
-Radius: A straight line from the center to the circumference
-Chord: A straight line that connects two points on the circumference
-Area: The flat space that makes the circle’s surface.
In this post, we take you through each section, which has been designed to challenge your learners as they go through the sections.
Section ACC1
This section serves as a primer for the next tasks. Learners define the parts of a circle: circle, radius, area, and circumference. The definitions are on the back of the cards. This is a good way for learners to revisit and maintain their knowledge.
Section ACC2
This section provides learners with a visual circle and either the radius or the diameter value. They are asked to calculate the circle’s radius or diameter. This exercise leads learners to measure the area of a circle using pi.
Section ACC3
Section 3 invites learners to measure the area of the circle using either the radius or the diameter. The first task card provides a visual to aid the learners, but the visual is removed for the next cards. This way, learners begin to transition to abstract thinking. On the back of each card, the formula for calculating the area of a circle and the value of pi is provided, as well as a thorough description of the calculation.
Section ACC4
In this section, learners are provided the value of the radius or the diameter of a circle; they must calculate the circumference of the circle. A step-by-step process is described at the back of each card.
Section ACC5
By the time learners reach section 5, they have received ample guidance and independent practice. Therefore, the last section is devoted to working with sectors. Learners use a visual to determine the fractional value of a sector.
The study of circles is amazing. Circles are related to many other areas, such as spheres, discs, cylinders, cones, and spirals. Circles are found everywhere in nature and are easy to observe! For more Montessori material extensions, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
