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Debbie Hernandez
April 2015
Curriculum Analysis: Shadows
Unit Overview
Students will continue the work they have done in previous units with patterns, functions, and
algebra to explore ideas in geometry and trigonometry to answer the question, How long is a
shadow? The concept of similarity is the main idea of the unit. The curriculum aligns with many
of the 8th grade California Common Core Standards as outlined below.
1. CCCSSM and MPS Alignment
Main Concepts and Skills
(Identified by Publisher)
Similarity and Congruence
Develop intuitive ideas about the meaning of
same shape
Learn the formal definitions of similar and
congruent
Discover properties of similar triangles as
well as other features of triangles as special
polygons
Understand the role of similarity in defining
the trigonometric functions of sine, cosine, and
tangent
Mathematical Modeling
Use a geometric diagram to represent a realworld situation
Use scale drawings to solve problems
Apply properties of similar triangles to real-
world situations
Explore how models provide insight in a
variety of situations
Mathematical Practices Multiple mathematical practice standards are embedded in every
lesson and homework task. Below are several activities that include examples of each practice.
1. Making sense of
Problem of the Week
Problem of the Week
Problem of the Week
problems and
13: Cutting the Pie
14: Pool Pockets
15: Trying Triangles
persevere in solving
them.
2. Reason abstractly Make It Similar
A Few Special
Triangles Vs. Other
and quantitatively.
Activity
Bounces Activity
Polygons Activity
3. Construct viable
Poetical Science
More About Windows Are Angles Enough
arguments and
Activity
Activity
Activity
critique the
reasoning of others.
4. Model with
The Shadow Model
In Proportion Activity A Parallel Proof
mathematics.
Activity
Activity
5. Use appropriate
Working With
Experimenting With
Bouncing Light
tools strategically.
Shadow Data Group
Shadows Activity
Group Activity
Activity
6. Attend to
Draw the Same Shape More Similar
Angles, Angles,
precision.
Activity
Triangles Activity
Angles Activity
7. Look for and
POW 13: Cutting the
Whats Possible?
Mirror Magic Activity
make use of
Pie
Group Activity
structure.
8. Look for and
Shadow Data
An N-by-N Window
More About Windows
express regularity in Gathering Activity
Activity
Activity
repeated reasoning.
Similarity and
Congruence
K-3
4-6
Proportional Reasoning
and the Algebra of
Proportions
K.MD Describe and
compare measurable
attributes.
3.NO Develop understanding
of fractions as numbers.
4.NO Extend understanding
of fraction equivalence and
classify shapes by
properties of their lines
and angles.
5.G Graph points on the
coordinate plane to
solve real-world and
mathematical problems.
5.G
Classify twodimensional figures into
categories based on their
properties.
7.G Draw, construct and
describe geometrical
figures and describe
the relationships
between them.
8
9-12
Grade
Levels
K-3
ordering.
5.NO Apply and extend
previous understandings of
multiplication and division to
multiply and divide
fractions.
6.RP Understand ratio
concepts and use ratio
reasoning to solve problems.
classify shapes by
properties of their lines
and angles.
5.G Classify twodimensional figures into
categories based on their
properties.
Mathematical Modeling
4-6
8
9-12
POW 13
Draw the Same Shape
Activity
Working with Shadow
Data
Your Opposite is My
Adjacent Activity
Task
Introducing and
debriefing class work
Shadow experiments
Homework
Poetical Science
Activity
Activities
4. Assessments: The opportunities for formative assessment are plentiful and are built into the
curriculum without the need for separate assessment assignments. The end of unit assessments
serve well for summative purposes.
Formative
In class work tasks
Homework assignments
POWs
Supplemental problems some are designed
for reinforcement, others are extensions
Specific written assignments and oral
presentations are listed on xiv, which are
specifically recommended to monitor student
progress
Summative
End of unit assessment: in class
End of unit assessment: take-home
Student portfolios
Model
Language based
Task
Instruct the Pro
Supplemental Activity
Investigation
Supplemental Activity
Presenting Work
Embedded EL Strategies
Students are able to work with their group to complete most of the
activities.
Students have multiple opportunities to present work. Generally they
discuss their findings in their group and then have the support of one
another as they present to the class.
Vocabulary is developed in context with the activities. For example, in
The Statues of Libertys Nose, the language for of ratio and
proportion emerges from the discussions about the students work.
Therefore, students have a context to help them connect the new
vocabulary with the work they have.
The unit begins with a concrete model of shadows in which the
concepts of similarity will be developed. Everything learned will lead
back to understanding how shadows work.
IMP is dependent of discussion and the use of written and oral
language to develop ideas and explain solutions. It is not just rows of
practice problems. Most activities are embedded in some sort of real
context.
Special Ed or GATE Strategies
A reinforcement activity designed to support students with angle
measurement and the use of protractors.
Provides an opportunity for students to do further experimental work
with relationships and data. Appropriate for GATE students.
Explaining ideas and work to others is central to the whole unit. For
resource students having to connect their work to more general ideas
helps them make more sense out of their thinking. For GATE students