Bridges Blog Archive for Subject Integration

Early in my teaching career, our school librarian modeled what it meant to know and love both kids and books. She always had a title in mind for each child, covering every imaginable topic. With the growth in math-related children's books, educators like her are now able to help children make connections to all kinds of mathematical concepts. For some children, a book invites math exploration, or makes ideas more approachable.

Third grade students will soon begin Unit 8 and the study of bridges. Bridge building can be serious stuff; so serious that when the Broolyn Bridge opened in 1883, many residents feared to cross. Folks had never seen such a massive structure. Was it safe? Could it hold a significant amount of weight? In order to test the bridge, P.T. Barnum's elephants--all 21 of them--paraded across. Two picture books, Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing and Twenty-One Elephants, tell the fascinating tale. Students may wish to compare & contrast the two stories of this historic event.

A recent reader contribution features the creative extensions that might result from this unit. Although the arch bridge lessons suggest a paper arch bridge, one third grader decided to make an arch with household items: legos and playdough. His labeled photo is shown at left, complete with alligator. 

Bridges' second graders will soon start Unit 6 and Get Those Marble Rolling. If you're looking for a little marble roll inspiration, watch this fantastic YouTube video, "Mega Marble Mazes", featuring the work of second grade students.

Teaching Elementary Students the Magic of Math, an edutopia video, features a K-5 school in Roseburg, Oregon, in which math is integrated throughout the curriculum and teachers are supported through professional development. Blog readers may recognize Bridges materials in the video.

Modify this number riddle activity to fit any grade level...

Cathy Fernan, fifth grade teacher from Northside Intermediate School in Milton, Wisconsin, alerted me to an interesting web activity--starting soon!--that ties in with the 5th grade March Number Corner Calendar Collector, "Sunrise, Sunset." From the website, Mystery Class: Tracking Sunlight to Solve a Mystery:

First grade Bridges students are preparing to "visit" penguins! If you're a first grade teacher and want a little inspiration, take a peek into some other classrooms...