Steps for Learning - Activity One: Mozart’s Neighborhood | Parents & Teachers
  







  












  
  



  


    
    
     

    

		

			

				

		

        
        
                  

                                      
Steps for Learning - Activity One: Mozart’s Neighborhood

                                                          
 
        
        

          


  
  
  
  

    
The purpose of this activity is to provide an opportunity to learn about the context of Mozart’s childhood through mathematical and geographical explorations.


1. As a class, visit the Wunderkind Little Amadeus website section entitled


“Marketplace” at http://www.little-amadeus.com. Ask the students to identify all the geometric shapes they see. Create a class list depicting all the shapes the students locate.


 


Ask the students to compare the shapes in the buildings in their neighborhoods with those that they saw on the website. Talk about the similarities and differences students suggest.


 


Lead a discussion focusing on the physical and human characteristics of place from a geographical perspective. Talk about how people’s lives are grounded in particular places. Ask the students how we both preserve a place and how we exhibit pride over places. Have them share specific examples from their own experiences.


 


2. As a class, view the episode entitled “The Bet.” Ask the children to look for examples of different places and geometric shapes as they watch. Add students’ examples to the class list.


 


After the class is finished viewing, provide each student with a copy of the Comprehension Checker. For K-2 students, complete the Comprehension Checker as a class. Older students can work in pairs or independently to answer the questions. When the students are finished, review the answers as a class.


 


3. Tell the students that they are going to build a replica of the neighborhood where Mozart lived. Divide the class into small groups of four or five students. Tell the class that each group is going to create one building in Mozart’s neighborhood. Provide each group with the following materials:


    

  • Construction paper, blocks, an assortment of cardboard boxes of      varying sizes, shapes, and colors, scissors, crayons, markers, colored      pencils, string, wire hangers, and pipe cleaners
    • 



Encourage the students to brainstorm ideas before they begin building.


 


4. When the students are finished, ask each group to make a presentation explaining the different geometric shapes and materials it used to create the buildings.


 


5. Then decide how to build connections in the neighborhood, such as streets and roads. Tell the students to collaborate to create a complete neighborhood representing places in Mozart’s life.


 


6. When the neighborhood is complete, host a class presentation to share the students’ work. Invite others in the school and community to view the project. If possible, take pictures to post in the classroom and school for others to share.