Lesson 5 (K-4): It's mathematical

Objectives: To integrate mathematics with the study of Cambodian dance forms. To help students develop a greater appreciation for the difficulty in performing Cambodian dance.

Materials: For this lesson, students will need to use protractors to measure angles, and will need enough copies of the handouts to have one for each small working group.

Procedure

Assess prior knowledge regarding student's understanding of angles and ability to measure angles using protractors and other equipment.

Ask students to define flexibility. How does a body become more flexible? What kinds of exercises improve flexibility?

In small groups, students can graph their ranges of flexibility as they attempt to touch their toes while sitting or standing, perform splits, etc. Be sure to discuss safety measures to be taken as these exercises are performed. Tell students that as they do their stretching, they should not move past the level where they feel tightness. This is not a competition! It is simply a measurement activity.

Distribute the worksheets on traditional Cambodian dance movements and stretching exercises. In small groups, have students look at the various angles indicated. Using protractors, they should measure the angles. Students should then try to duplicate the angles themselves, having classmates assist in measuring their angles as they position their arms and legs.

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