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Activity

Drawing Shapes

Insert a marker into the Finch pen mount slot and use it to draw shapes!

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BEGINNER: Level 1

Draw a square using 4 move and 4 turn blocks.

Can you change your program to draw a rectangle that is different from your square?

INTERMEDIATE: Level 2

In this activity, you will draw shapes with the Finch. Start by trying this program. If you tap the green flag several times, what shape does the Finch draw? How many times do you need to tap the block for the Finch to be back where it started?

Now you will see what other shapes you can draw by turning the Finch different amounts. Remember, you can change the amount the Finch turns with the slider.

Try this program. If you tap the green flag several times, what shape does the Finch draw? How many times do you need to tap the block for the Finch to be back where it started?

Finally, try turning the Finch 60°. If you tap the green flag several times, what shape does the Finch draw? How many times do you need to tap the block for the Finch to be back where it started?

Can you draw shapes that are bigger or smaller? What other shapes can you draw with the Finch?

ADVANCED: Level 3

In this activity, you will use repeat loops to draw polygons like triangles and hexagons. What shape do you think this program will draw? Make a prediction and then test it out.

Next, modify the program so that the Finch turns 120°. What shape can you draw now? How many times does the loop need to repeat to finish the shape?

Next, modify the program so that the Finch turns 60°. What shape can you draw now? How many times does the loop need to repeat to finish the shape?

How can you make your shapes bigger or smaller? What other shapes can you draw with the Finch?

MATERIALS

Lay down butcher paper, large poster paper, or similar on the table or floor.

Use washable markers for easy cleanup.

INTEGRATION

This lesson connects well to early elementary math standards concerning recognizing shapes and describing their attributes. It also builds number sense related to angles, though it does not require that students have previous experience with angles. Use our student planning worksheet to encourage students to make connections with polygon properties.

Utah Valley University’s Creative Learning Studio also integrated this activity with art and art history by using the Finch to create Mondrian-inspired art.