Polygonal Glasses & Superhero Masks

Need a fun way for students to learn different polygonal shapes? How about making some special polygonal glasses or masks? Notice the octogon shape lenses?

(Hey, no laughing at my horrible artwork!)

Today were going to expand our attire…polygonal style! The purpose of this activity is for groups of students to make their own masks or glasses while using different shaped lenses.

Here is a link to some printouts.
http://www.firstpalette.com/tool_box/printables/superhero.html

Math Shapes With Hands

First, take a moment to watch this beautiful commercial involving hand shapes.

Now, what better way to get your kids up and having fun then math shapes with their hands?

What You Will Need:
1) 4-5 flash lights or an large lamp
2) Turn off all lights and close all blinds
3) Split students up in groups or call them up to the front of the room.
4) Have one student hold the flash light while the other students make various shapes

See Who In The Class Can Make The Best of These Shape With Their Hands

Make it a guessing game to test them on it!

Beads & Math (It's Mardi Gras In The Classroom)

Bring in a few sets of beads and distribute them to each student. The goal is to estimate the number of beads without actually counting them.

Hmm...geometric formulas may do nice here.  What shape and what formula would give us the best estimate of the number of beads?