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Digital camera center


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Keywords: math centers, math concepts, first grade, science, photography
Subject(s): Math, Science, Technology, Photography
Grades K through 2
School: Clark Elementary School, South Beloit, IL
Planned By: Jennifer Lak
Original Author: Jennifer Lak, South Beloit
I want to incorporate digital cameras into a math center. These cameras would be used by every student at least once a month to capture math skills in pictures. The centers would change each month according to the mathematical concepts being taught. The following is an outline of the math topics taught by month and the proposal for the corresponding activity in the digital camera center:
August (Number Sense): Students will practice using a digital camera by taking pictures of objects that represent the numbers 1-10. For example, students would take a picture of the 3 hallway passes to represent the number 3. These pictures would be stored on the computer and then used at another center next month for creating addition number sentences (use two pictures to add together- 3 hallway passes + 9 pencils = 3+9= 12).
September (Number Sense & Computation): Students will take 2 pictures of different ways to model an addition problem and a subtraction problem by using manipulatives. For example, the student may place 3 counters in a pile and 9 counters in another pile. Then the student would take a picture of the 12 counters. The second picture may be of 12 rods lined up and a student holding 3 of the rods in his/her hand or before & after pictures with some rods missing (subtracted).
October (Data Collection & Statistical Analysis): Students will use the digital cameras to collect data in their science experiment. Students will sort & classify different leaves brought into school. The students will take a picture of each group of leaves sorted, and then use the pictures to present reasons for their groupings.
November (Number Sense, Geometry, & Algebra): Students will use transparent pattern blocks to create stained glass window patterns to be displayed (and used in a future center for money concepts). Once the students create a pattern, they will take a picture of the pattern to add to their description. Students will record the shapes used, the number of blocks for each shape, and why they chose their pattern. These sheets will go into a book to be used in the money unit.
December (Geometry): Students will use digital cameras to photograph symmetrical objects. Using picture software, students will print photos to use with mirrors to prove line(s) of symmetry.
January (Algebra,& Data Collection & Statistical Analysis): Students will use the digital cameras for photographing objects to make a store advertisement/flyer. The class will decide on the type of store they want to have in their centers. Then students will have the chance to take photographs to advertise their products. For example, students may want a shoe store, so students would take pictures of different shoes. Once they take the pictures, students will then use software to display the shoes and write a description and price. This advertisement will be in the money center where students will "shop" for shoes. Class will then make a graph of least & most favorite item (shoe).
February (Number Sense & Computation): Students will take 2 pictures of examples of fractions. For example, picture of students sharing snack, pizza cut into pieces in cafeteria, cutting paper for art project, etc. Students will then have to write about their picture and include the fraction written numerically.
March (Geometry): Students will create their own buildings using 3-dimensional blocks. They will have to make a supplies list and then take a photograph of their structure. The photographs will be used in another center next month for students to choose a structure to recreate using the supply list and photo.
April (Data Collection & Statistical Analysis): Students will use digital cameras to take a picture of their science experiment once a week. Students are planting seeds for Mother’s Day and tracking the growth of their seeds. Once a week students document the sprouts’/plants’ height and take a picture. Over the next 6 weeks, students will add descriptions and pictures to their science & math journals.
May (Measurement): Students will photograph activities for each of the time frames: half an hour, hour, minute, & all day. Students will make a pictograph to display photos showing time.
Comments
Additional ideas relating to monthly math concepts can be added &/or exchanged for these digital photography center ideas!
Cross-Curriculum Ideas
Including science, photography, and writing with math concepts/centers.
Follow-Up
After each monthly center, students meet as whole group to share projects and critiques of others' work. Discussion of math thinking!
Materials: Point and Shoot, Word Processor, Camera Bags, xD Memory Cards, Digital Voice Recorders, Flash/USB Drives, Batteries
Other Items: 1 connecting cuisenaire rods class kit, $39.95 each, total of $39.95
2 shapes 2-D & 3-D charts, $1.99 each, total of $3.98
2 geometric plastic forms, $32.99 each, total of $65.98
3 geomirror sets, $29.99 each, total of $89.97
4 overhead pattern blocks, $4.99 each, total of $19.96
2 soft building blocks, $21.95 each, total of $43.90
3 magnetic numbers & operation signs, $8.99 each, total of $26.97
1 pizza party fractions, $16.99 each, total of $16.99
2 deluxe fractions circles & squares, $17.98 each, total of $35.96
2 graphing mats, $13.49 each, total of $26.98