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Citiblocs Lesson Plans
Citiblocs Lesson Plans
Citiblocs Lesson Plans
www.citiblocs.com
Cooperative learning at the K.I.P.P. DREAM Academy, Houston, TX
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Learning Fun
Building with Citiblocs is not just about having fun, its also about discovery.
Discovering why the blocks are all the same shape and size. Discovering what
happens when they are stacked vertically or at angles. Learning how to make
something round from a rectangle. Building with Citiblocs is about discovering
that math, science, and art exist not just in textbooks, but all around us. Citiblocs
are a simple yet effective learning tool that can be applied to nearly any
curriculum at nearly any grade level.
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Table of Contents
Warm Ups 8
Social Studies 18
Leaning Tower 19
Citiblocs Around the World 20
Activities 26
Copy Cat 27
Tooth Ache 28
Appendix 29
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Basic Building Instructions
These instructions are provided as a general building guide. While there are
several common techniques that can be used a basis for building, there are no
right or wrong ways to build with Citiblocs. The ability to explore and experiment
are fundamental and inherent characteristics of block play.
The Block
Each block has three distinct sides
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Basic Building Instructions (continued)
Building with Citiblocs
There are three basic ways to build with Citiblocs
On End
On Edge
Flat Side
but it is important to remember that there are no wrong ways to build with
Citiblocsthey can be angled, sloped, tilted, and turned
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Tips and Other Useful Bits
Draw it!
Have students draw their structures.
Share it!
All of the activities and lessons in this manual can be done individually or in
small groups. Building with Citiblocs is a wonderful opportunity for collaborative
learning.
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Warm Ups
As with any classroom activity it is always best to warm up before diving in. The
following is a list of short exercises designed to help loosen your fingers and
stretch out your mind.
Tree Stacking
This is a great introductory exercise that is quick and enjoyable for students of all
ages. It can be done in pairs or small groups. Students start off with a tree
trunk and take turns stacking on the branches and leaves of the tree, building
as high as they can before the tree tumbles down.
1- Begin by placing 3 blocks together and standing the trio on end. This is
the tree trunk.
2- Have students place the tree branches / leaves on top of the trunk, one
block per student, alternating turns. Students may stack their blocks any
way they choose, however the flat side is the most stable surface. Try and
build a tall tree without it falling down. Timber!
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Warm Ups (continued)
Talking Towers
This activity helps students to become familiar with the building properties of the
blocks while simultaneously developing spatial awareness. It is best to have
students work in pairs.
1- Have students sit back to back. Give each student a small but equal
number of blocks (less than 10). Students will take turns- the first student
creates any type of design they choose - it can be a letter, a tree, a small
tower etc.
2- Once completed, the student turns around and describes the structure to
their partner and gives them step by step instructions on how to replicate
it. The instructing student may observe and verbally assist the other
student but may not touch the blocks. When finished, students compare
results.
3- Have students reverse roles.
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Math and Science
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One, 2, III
PreK
+
OBJECTIVES
KEY CONCEPTS
MATERIALS
Number Sense
55 blocks per student
Number Recognition
10 index cards per student
PROCEDURE
Pass out 10 index cards to each student/group. Have students number the
cards, 1, 2, 3, etc. On the back of the cards, spell out each number (one, two,
three, etc). Have students collect 55 blocks each. Tell the students to shuffle
their cards and then spread them number side up on their desk. Have the
students place the appropriate number of Citiblocs on top of each card, creating
a spiral as the numbers increase. Check for comprehension and accuracy. Turn
the cards over and repeat the exercise.
Can you make the numbers 1-10 using the Citiblocs blocks?
Can you write the numbers one ten using the Citiblocs blocks?
What other things can you use to represent numbers (besides Citiblocs)?
How many ways do you know to represent numbers?
How many blocks would you need to make zero?
KEY CONCEPTS
MATERIALS
Standard Units of Measurement
20 blocks per group
Non-Standard Units of Measurement
Yard sticks / rulers
Estimation
PROCEDURE
Discuss with students the difference between a standard unit of measure
(inches, feet, yard etc) and non-standard unit of measure (something that is
uniform in size and availability). Have the students make estimations on their
height in Citiblocs and inches (or another standard unit of measurement). Have
them write it down. Divide the class into small groups of 2-3 students and pass
out 20 blocks to each group. Have one student lay down on the floor, while the
other student(s) measure using Citiblocs (by laying them end to end) and also
with rulers / yard sticks. Repeat the process until each student has been
measured.
KEY CONCEPTS
MATERIALS
Number Recognition
10 blocks per student
Addition
Subtraction
PROCEDURE
Pass out 10 blocks to each student. Have the students count their blocks out
loud as a class. Ask students to demonstrate 3 blocks. Then 5, 8, and 10. How
many more do they need to make 15? 20? 30? For more advanced students,
lesson can be modified to practice specific tasks such as addition/subtraction
using Citiblocs as a manipulative.
KEY CONCEPTS
MATERIALS
Estimation
Citiblocs
Quantities
9 Index cards
PROCEDURE
Prior to class, label each of the index cards with one of the 9 categories:
Divide the class into 9 small groups and randomly distribute one card to each
group. Have each group collect the number of Citiblocs listed on their card,
taking care not to disclose the amount. Each group is to make a structure using
the described building technique and the number of blocks listed on their card.
Allow 10 -15 minutes for this. Lead the class in a group discussion, having them
compare and estimate quantities in each structure. Do not reveal the actual
quantities until all structures have been compared and estimated.
Which structures look like they have the most blocks? The fewest? The same?
PROCEDURE
Begin with a class discussion on ratios and proportions, using examples from
the real world (check out www.goldennumber.net for more information and
examples). Using Citiblocs demonstrate to the students the 1, 3, 5 and 15 ratio
between the 3 edges of the blocks (see diagram below). Students must then
use theblocks to build a house illustrating all of the discussed ratios.
What is a ratio?
Pre K
+
OBJECTIVES
PROCEDURE
Begin with a class discussion on basic geometric shapes- triangles, squares
and (for older kids) pentagons, hexagons etcPass out 10 blocks to each child
and have them create an example of each.
PROCEDURE
Begin with a class discussion on basic genetics and DNA (what makes us
unique and individual) Allow students to explore library resources (or internet)
on DNA structure (or provide students with pre-prepared material). Using
Citiblocs have students create their own double helix spiral.
What is DNA?
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Leaning Tower
Grade
3+
OBJECTIVES
Students will build their own freestanding leaning tower with Citiblocs
KEY CONCEPTS
MATERIALS Building Methods
200 blocks per group Problem Solving
Group Work
Center of Gravity
PROCEDURE
This activity can be split into 2 days (1 for research and planning, 1 for
execution) or can be condensed into 1 day by providing students with
appropriate research material beforehand)
Begin with a brief class discussion on the history and mechanics of the
Leaning Tower of Pisa- be sure to include a discussion on center of gravity.
Divide class into small groups (3-4 students is ideal) and distribute blocks.
Have students experiment with creating their own freestanding leaning tower
If necessary, distribute a copy of Appendix A Leaning Tower Building
Instructions
Are there any similarities between your tower and the others?
SOCIAL STUDIES 19
CITIBLOCS Around the World
Grade
1+
OBJECTIVES
Students will discover different monuments / building techniques around the
world
PROCEDURE
This activity can be split into 2 days (1 for research and planning, 1 for
execution) or can be condensed into 1 day by providing students with
appropriate research material beforehand)
Begin with an introduction to various world monuments to activate prior
knowledge ( For example: Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower, Washington
Monument, Pyramids, Great Wall of China)
Divide class into groups, each group assigned to a different monument
Have the students research their monument (internet / library resources)
Using Citiblocs, have each group recreate their monument, paying careful
attention to any particular building techniques/methods from the original
Have each group present their monument to the class, identifying any unique
building characteristics / methods
Use the below questions to facilitate a discussion
What difficulties did the people who built the original monument have to
overcome? What difficulties did you have to overcome?
Are there any similarities between your monument and the others?
SOCIAL STUDIES 20
Art and Architecture
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CITIBLOCS Bridges
Grade
3+
OBJECTIVES
Students will build a bridge that spans a 1 foot distance using Citiblocs
PROCEDURE
Begin with a discussion on bridges and different building techniques
Provide students with examples of suspension, cantilever, arches
Divide students into small groups (2-4 is ideal)- each group gets 200 blocks
Students must make a bridge that spans at least 1 an 8.5 x 11 piece of
paper positioned lengthwise can serve as a standardized spacer- students
can decorate this sheet with rivers, oceans, mountains etc.
Allow students sufficient time to explore and experiment (20-30 min)
Use the below questions to facilitate a discussion
EXTENSION
Have students build a bridge with only two blocks touching the ground- that is
strong enough to stand on.
Students will build their own towers using a minimum of 3 building styles
PROCEDURE
Begin with a discussion on towers and building
Ask students to describe at least 3 different ways to build with Citiblocs
Divide students into small groups (2-4 is ideal)- each group gets 200 blocks
Students must make a tower using at least 3 different building techniques
Allow students sufficient time to explore and experiment (20-30 min)
Use the below questions to facilitate a discussion
How could you make a tower as tall as you? As your teacher? The room?
EXTENSION
Have students build a tower that stands on only 1 block
Have students build a tower in a triangular pattern
Students will build their own towers under a time constraint and material
limitation
PROCEDURE
Begin with a discussion on towers and building
Have each student count out 50 Citiblocs
Working individually students must create the tallest tower possible with 50
blocks in a 5 minute period (lesson can be altered to include more or less
blocks/time and or group work)
Exercise may be repeated
Follow up with discussion questions
EXTENSION
Have students use more or less blocks
KEY CONCEPTS
MATERIALS Group work
100 blocks per group Problem solving
Apples or tennis balls etc Logical reasoning
Building techniques
PROCEDURE
Working in small groups students must create the tallest tower possible that
supports an apple (or other round object) on top using only 100 blocks.
Encourage students to use a variety of building techniques. Time can be limited
to provide additional challenge. Measure from the base of the tower to the
highest point on the tower, not including the apple.
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Copy Cat
Grade
K+
OBJECTIVES
PROCEDURE
Teacher- using a small set (10-20) of Citiblocs, create a model out of view
from the students (behind a large book or divider).
Count the number of blocks used and tell the students to count out the same
amount.
Reveal the sculpture to the class for 10 15 seconds and then recover
The students then try to copy the teachers sculpture from memory using the
same number of blocks.
Can be repeated with different structures.
EXTENSION
Have students work in pairs or small groups and take turns making their own
structures
ACTIVITIES 27
Tooth Ache
Grade
K+
OBJECTIVES
Students will use their creativity to find solutions to the following problem:
PROCEDURE
Using Citiblocs students must create a way for the dentist to reach the top of
the giraffe.
How can you help the dentist fix the giraffes tooth ache?
ACTIVITIES 28
APPENDIX A
There is more than one way to build a leaning tower. Below are some
instructions on how to build a base to make your tower lean.
In the picture below notice how all of the pieces are facing the same direction.
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Share with us! We are always eager to hear how you use Citiblocs in the
classroom. Send us your stories so we can share with others!
Have some great photos? Send them to us as well and we will post them
online- with parental permission of course.
Citiblocs
PO Box 8315
Tampa, FL 33674-8315
info@citiblocs.com
813.769.9462
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