Geometry Hunters

What if mathematics were not only in the classroom, but also in the streets we walk every day? In this activity, students become Geometry Hunters and explore our city, Málaga to find shapes, patterns, and mathematical structures.

In this way, they can learn geometry in a practical way. We can find geometry figures everywhere and students are going to see this discipline from a familiar and closer perspective. 

One option is to make a trip to the city center or some specific places to look for arches, circles, symmetry, angles etc. 

It is necessary to have revised all the shapes that we are going to find in the city in order for students to know and recognise them. Then, we can give them a map where they can find different patterns or geometrical figures. 

Figure 1. Málaga map

Note. Own elabortaion with Canva [picture]

They can name different geometrical shapes, symmetry or patterns, or we can ask them different thingswe want them to look for and they have to take a picture of them. In that way, they can work in groupsand develop digital skills apart from the mathematical ones. 

After the excursion, students can do different activities. They can organize a photo exhibition, or design their own “Geometry Hunters” route. 

In conclusion, using the city as a classroom makes learning more interesting and meaningful. Mathematics becomes something real and visible. With activities like Geometry Hunters, learning geometry becomes an adventure. Because mathematics is everywhere, we just need to look for them.

REFERENCES

Figure 1:

Mapa de Málaga - indi & lala. (s. f.). indiandlala.com. https://share.google/VZDK5c6W7lnnFxndm

País, E. E. (2020, 11 octubre). La identidad visual de Málaga, contada a través de sus baldosas y azulejos. Verne. https://verne.elpais.com/verne/2020/10/09/articulo/1602231488_509315.html

Why is Euclid our protagonist?

It is true that thanks to Ancient Philosophers we nowadays study certain disciplines. Nevertheless, why is Euclid Geometry’s father?

Figure 1. Euclid

Note. Own Elaboration [Picture]

Euclid was a mathematician who lived more than 2,000 years ago in Alexandria, ancient Egypt. Although not many details about his life are known, we do know that his work influenced the history of mathematics, especially in geometry. 

His greatest contribution was to collect and organize all the geometric knowledge that existed in his time. He wrote Elements, which involves several books where he explains how geometric figures work. Instead of simply stating results, Euclid started from very simple ideas and from there built more complex reasoning progressively.

One of his most important developments was to establish a method based on definitions and demonstrations. From simple ideas, Euclid proved properties of figures such as triangles, squares, and circles. This way of working was very important because it allowed mathematics to become a discipline based on logic.

Many of the concepts studied today in geometry come directly from his work: types of angles, properties of triangles, calculation of areas, and relationships between lines and figures. That is why when people talk about “Euclidean geometry,” they are referring to the geometry that follows the ideas and methods he organized.

It is for that reason that this blog is going to be kind of a Euclid’s notebook and here we are going to work on this discipline. 

I have created a video for you in case you prefer to organise your ideas visually! Thanks for watching!

Figure 2. Visual information

Note. Own Elaboration with NotebookLM [video]

REFERENCES:

Elvira. (2023, 1 noviembre). Euclides de Alejandría: el padre de la geometría. We Love Prof | el Blog de Superprof España. https://www.superprof.es/blog/euclides-historia-matematicas/

WELCOME TO EUCLID'S CORNER!

 Hi everyone!

My name is Carmen, I am 20 years old and I study Primary Education and English Philology at the University of Málaga.

I have created this space to talk about Geometry, but don’t worry, this is not going to be boring! Here, we will explore this discipline from different and interesting perspectives.

My aim is to connect Geometry with some of my favourite interests, such as reading, watching TV series, and the Classical Period, which is my favourite historical period. At the same time, I would like to relate it to my studies by focusing on the didactic possibilities of Geometry for Primary School children.

Through this blog, I hope to show that Geometry is not only part of mathematics, but also something we can find in culture, history, everyday life, and even in the things we enjoy the most. Will you join me in this adventure?

Pd: Here I introduce you to my friend Euclid, you will know about him really soon and he also will help us a lot in Geometry!