NCTM - Principals and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM) * Teacher Notes
Geometry PreK - 2
* Describe, name, and interpret direction and distance in navigating space and apply ideas about direction and distance.
* Find and name locations with simple relationships such as "near to" and in coordinate systems such as maps.
* Relate ideas in geometry to ideas in number and measurement.
Measurement PreK - 2
* Develop common referents for measures to make comparisons and estimates.
* Understand how to measure using nonstandard and standard units
Ohio Academic Content Standards * Teacher Notes
* K-2 Geometry Benchmark F - Describe location, using comparative (before, after), directional (above, below), and positional (first, last) words.
- Geometry, Kindergarten, Indicator 2 - Name and demonstrate the relative position of objects as follows:
a. place objects over, under, inside, outside, on, beside, between, above, below, on top of, upside-down, behind, in back of, in front of.
- Geometry, Grade 1, Indicator 4 - Extend the use of location words to include distance (near, far, close to) and directional words (left, right).
* K-2 Measurement Benchmark D - Apply measurement techniques to measure length, weight and volume (capacity).
- Measurement, Grade 1, Indicator 5 - Estimate and measure lengths using non-standard and standard units . . .
The Learning Target
I can move the turtle where I want by telling it to move forward, backward, and turning
I can estimate distances I want the turtle to travel before I move it.
Let's begin by reviewing the following words. If you don't understand any of these words ask your parents or a friend to help you.
* Right
* Left
* Forward
* Back
You will need a piece of blank drawing paper. Now follow the directions given by the list below
Draw a turtle (or other picture) near the lower left corner of your paper.
- Move the turtle forward (up) 3 inches
- Make a right turn.
- Move the turtle forward 3 inches.
- Make a right turn.
- Move the turtle forward 3 inches.
- Make a right turn.
- Move the turtle forward 3 inches.
Where did you end up? You should notice that the turtle lands at a very familiar place. What shape did the path of the turtle make when he completed his trip?
Work with your parents, a brother, a sister, or a friend and take turns giving and following directions for a turtle. Use the words we highlighted at the beginning.
* Turn Right
* Turn Left
* Move Forward
* Move Back
* Can you pick a point on the paper and get your partner to move to turtle to that point by just saying the words from the list?
* Did the turtle end up where it was suppose to?
* Is it easier to say the moving words or to move the turtle when you partner tells you the moving words?
Now that you have practiced moving Tommy the Turtle on your paper, let's see how we can use the computer to do the same thing. By clicking on the link below you will be taken to a new web site that has a program called "Turtle Pond". In this program you can move the turtle in much the same way that we did on paper. To make the program work you should follow these steps.
- Click on one of the four arrows around the turtle for the direction you want to go.
- Click on the number of units (squares) you want to move in that direction.
- Keep repeating this process until you think you have ALL the directions you need to get to your target.
- Your turtle will not move until you press the "play" key.
- If you get it right you will put Tommy the Turtle in the pond.
There are additional instructions at the web site. Click on the "+" to see them. 
The game is at this location 
The Assessment
After everyone in class has comple
There are additional instructted this activity, your teacher will give you an opportunity to do this in front of him or her. First they will give you some directions and let you move the turtle and then they will ask you to give the directions and see if you can move the turtle to the right place.
So, practice up! I want all of you to be experts at moving Tommy Turtle to his pond! 
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