Contextualization

Hi, little explorers! Have you ever wondered how people and objects move from one place to another? That's what we call routes! Every day, we take routes, whether it's to go to school, visit a relative, or even when we play in the park.

Now, you may be wondering, what does Math have to do with routes? Math is everywhere, even in the routes we take! Through it, we can better understand how we move in space and how objects move.

In Math, when we study routes, we are talking about Geometry. Geometry is the part of Math that studies the shapes, sizes, positions, and movements of objects. Thus, by studying routes, we will be learning more about Geometry and, at the same time, improving our math skills!

Introduction

Routes can be represented in several ways, but one of the most common ways is through maps. Maps are representations of space that help us understand where we are and plan our movements. To understand a map, we need to know its parts, such as the title, the legend, and the scale. Have you ever seen these parts on a map?

Another important concept when it comes to routes is distance. Distance is the measure of the space between two points. To measure distances, we can use several units, such as meters, kilometers, and even steps!

Moreover, it is also essential to understand what cardinal points are. The cardinal points are north, south, east, and west, and they help us to orient ourselves in space. Did you know that there are ways to determine the cardinal points without needing a compass?

Now that we know a little bit more about routes and how Math is present in them, let's embark on this adventure and explore this fascinating universe even more!

Practical Activity: "Exploring with a Map"

Objective of the Project

The objective of this project is that you, little explorers, create your own map and experience the notion of route, distance, and cardinal points. With this, you will learn that Math is present in several situations in our daily lives!

Project Description

You will work in groups of 3 to 5 students to create a map of the school or a space that you know well. On this map, you will mark points of interest, such as the classroom, the library, the patio, etc. Then, you will plan routes between these points and measure the distance traveled. Finally, you will explore the cardinal points and how they relate to the route you took.

Materials Required

• Card stock or poster board to create the map
• Colored pencils, markers, and/or crayons
• Ruler
• Compass (optional)

Step by Step

1. Choice of Location: Decide whether you will create a map of the school or a space that you know well, such as the neighborhood where you live, for example.

2. Creating the Map: With the card stock or poster board and the drawing materials, create the map of the chosen location. Remember to include the points of interest, such as the classroom, the library, the patio, etc.

3. Route Planning: Now, as a group, plan routes between the points of interest that you marked on the map. For example, how would you go from the classroom to the library? And from the patio to the secretary's office?

4. Measuring Distances: After planning the routes, use the ruler to measure the distance between the points. Write down the distances on the map, next to the planned routes. You can use the meter unit.

5. Exploring the Cardinal Points: Now it's time to explore the cardinal points! If you have a compass, use it to locate the cardinal points on the map. If you don't have one, no problem! You can use other methods, such as observing where the sun rises and where it sets. Write down the cardinal points on the map.

6. Project Presentation: Finally, each group should present their map to the class, explaining the planned routes, the distances measured, and the cardinal points found.

Remember, little explorers, the important thing is to have fun while learning! Use all the knowledge you have acquired about routes, distances, and cardinal points to carry out this mission!