The Herons began their study of geometry last week. We started by creating and testing our definition of polygons and exploring the properties of squares. On Thursday we took our knowledge of sides, angles, and parallel lines into an exploration with the pattern blocks. I asked students to complete a series of challenges: use one shape (triangle, trapezoid, rhombus, or hexagon) to create a straight road. Then create one that turns a corner and/or forks. Make a giant square. Can you make different shapes using a combination of blocks? Students recorded their observations and patterns in their blue books with appropriate labels. 
The room began humming with the sounds of experimentation and observation, as the Herons wrestled with foundational elements of geometry: numbers of sides, angles, shapes, repeating patterns, and symmetry. RC noted "I'm using triangles and I can't make my road turn at a 90 degree angle." SS was experimenting with trapezoids and exclaimed "I can't make a square with just this shape – it just turns into a big hexagon!" Each Heron was posing questions, reacting with excitement, and challenging themselves. Several students kept working until they made a straight, turning, and forking road all in one construction. IG, AR, and NK were working at the same table and their forking roads met in the middle.
They decided to see if they could cover the table to create a giant circle. This challenge captured the imagination of the class and all of the Herons' pattern blocks were added. The entire class added their input and labor to the project. Thanks to a loan from the Cranes, the table is now nearly complete, much to the excitement of the Herons. I look forward to seeing the class' enthusiasm and engagement deepen as we move into more complex geometrical explorations in the next few weeks. – ET
The Rookery 