Scale City: Build San Diego!

7th Grade Project 4 weeks

Scale City: Build San Diego!

Florencia Mendoza

CCSS.Math.Content.7.G.A.1

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Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on exploration of scale drawings through the creation of scale model houses based on existing structures in San Diego. This project aims to deepen their understanding of geometric principles while fostering an appreciation for sustainable urban design. By analyzing and reproducing scale drawings, students will develop critical thinking skills and apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, ultimately proposing ideas for a more sustainable city.

Learning goals

Students will develop skills in interpreting and creating scale drawings, applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. They will learn to analyze the sustainability features of urban environments and propose improvements for housing in San Diego. Through collaboration and critique, students will refine their understanding of scale and measurement, ensuring accuracy in their blueprint designs. The project will culminate in a reflection on how scale drawings can contribute to creating more sustainable cities.

Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.7.G.A.1 - Solve problems involving scale drawings of geometric figures, including computing actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing and reproducing a scale drawing at a different scale.

Products

Students will create a detailed scale model of a house in San Diego, complete with a blueprint that accurately reflects the scaled dimensions. Throughout the project, students will produce a series of drafts and revisions of their blueprints, incorporating peer feedback to refine their designs. By the end of the project, each group will present their final scale model and blueprint, along with a written reflection on how their design contributes to a more sustainable city.

Launch

To kick off the project, students will embark on a virtual tour of San Diego's diverse neighborhoods, focusing on sustainable architectural features. They will engage in a discussion about what makes a city sustainable, examining elements such as green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and community resources. This exploration will set the stage for students to brainstorm ideas and identify key characteristics they want to incorporate into their scale model houses, fostering a connection between real-world examples and their upcoming projects.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Sustainable San Diego" showcase where they present their scale model houses alongside their blueprints. Each group will explain their design choices, focusing on sustainability features inspired by real San Diego homes. Attendees, including peers, teachers, and community members, will engage with students through Q&A sessions, allowing students to articulate their understanding of scale drawings and sustainable design. This exhibition will provide a platform for reflection on how their models contribute to a vision of a more sustainable city.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Launch and Virtual Tour - Students embark on a virtual tour of San Diego's neighborhoods, identifying sustainable architecture and discussing elements of a sustainable city (45 min)	Introduction to Scale Drawings - Explore the concept of scale drawings with examples, including how to compute actual lengths and areas (20 min) Hands-on Scale Activity - Practice creating simple scale drawings of classroom objects to understand scaling down (25 min)	Blueprint Basics - Learn how to read and create basic blueprints, focusing on symbols and measurements (20 min) Essential Question Exploration - Discuss 'How does understanding scale drawings help us appreciate and analyze the built environment around us?' (25 min)	Sustainable Features Brainstorm - Identify and list sustainable features to include in scale model houses based on the virtual tour insights (20 min) Group Selection and Planning - Form groups and begin planning the scale model house project, choosing a San Diego house to model (25 min)	Initial Blueprint Draft - In groups, create the first draft of the scale model house blueprint, applying scale drawing skills (30 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Each group exchanges blueprints for peer feedback, focusing on measurement accuracy and sustainability ideas (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Draft blueprint of the scale model house, incorporating sustainability features and accurate scale dimensions.
Preparation	1. Set up a virtual tour platform showcasing sustainable features of San Diego neighborhoods. 2. Prepare discussion prompts and materials related to sustainable urban design. 3. Gather resources for scale drawings practice, including measuring tools and conversion charts. 4. Provide drafting paper and tools for creating blueprints. 5. Organize peer review guidelines and feedback sheets for critique sessions.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Scale Model Selection - Each group selects a San Diego house to model, focusing on sustainable features identified in Week 1 (15 min) Scale Calculation Workshop - Calculate the scaled dimensions of the chosen house, ensuring accuracy and understanding of scaling principles (30 min)	Group Collaboration Session - Collaborate within groups to refine blueprint ideas and ensure alignment with project goals (10 min) Detailed Blueprint Creation - Begin creating a detailed blueprint for the scale model house, incorporating accurate measurements and symbols (35 min)	Critique and Revision - Present blueprint drafts to other groups for critique, focusing on measurement accuracy and sustainability features (30 min) Revision Implementation - Revise blueprints based on peer feedback, enhancing accuracy and sustainability (15 min)	Scale Model Construction Techniques - Explore and practice construction techniques for creating scale models, emphasizing precision and craftsmanship (25 min) Construction Planning - Plan the construction process for the scale model house, outlining steps and materials needed (20 min)	Initial Construction Phase - Begin constructing the scale model house, applying blueprint plans and construction techniques (35 min) Reflection and Feedback - Reflect on progress and receive teacher feedback to ensure alignment with project objectives (10 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed initial blueprint of the scale model house, incorporating accurate scale measurements and sustainable features. 2. Revised blueprint reflecting peer feedback and improvements.
Preparation	1. Gather scale drawing tools such as rulers, graph paper, and protractors for accurate measurement. 2. Prepare examples of scale drawings of San Diego houses to illustrate what students will be working on. 3. Ensure access to digital tools or software for creating blueprints, if applicable. 4. Compile resources or guides on sustainable building features for reference during blueprint creation.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Scale Adjustment Techniques - Explore methods to adjust scales accurately when converting real house measurements to scale models (20 min) Blueprint Refinement Session - Refine initial blueprints incorporating peer feedback and adjust measurements for accuracy (25 min)	Measurement Verification Workshop - Verify and validate scaled measurements with partner groups to ensure blueprint accuracy (30 min) Sustainable Design Integration - Integrate sustainable design elements into blueprints based on previous brainstorm and research (15 min)	Hands-On Model Construction - Begin constructing scale models using blueprints and gathered materials, focusing on precision in design (45 min)	Construction Continuation and Problem Solving - Continue model construction, addressing any scaling or design challenges encountered (30 min) Reflection and Documentation - Reflect on construction process and document adjustments made for sustainability features (15 min)	Final Touches and Detailing - Add details to scale model houses, ensuring all elements are accurately represented (30 min) Peer Review and Showcase Preparation - Prepare models for peer review and upcoming showcase, refining presentations (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Revised and finalized blueprint of the scale model house 2. Peer critique feedback form submission 3. Draft reflection on sustainable design features included in the model
Preparation	1. Prepare feedback forms for peer critique sessions 2. Ensure access to resources on sustainable design features in architecture 3. Set up a digital platform for students to share and revise blueprints 4. Organize materials for hands-on model building, such as cardstock, rulers, and pencils 5. Coordinate guest speaker or video resource on sustainable architecture in San Diego

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Blueprint Refinement - Groups make final adjustments to their blueprints, ensuring accurate scaling and incorporation of sustainable features (25 min) Model Construction Preparation - Gather materials and plan steps for constructing their scale model house, focusing on execution of design (20 min)	Scale Model Construction - Begin constructing the scale model house using the refined blueprint, emphasizing precision and detail (45 min)	Continued Model Construction - Proceed with building the scale model, ensuring all group members are actively contributing and collaborating (45 min)	Final Touches on Model - Complete the construction of the scale model, adding final details and ensuring all sustainable features are represented (30 min) Preparation for Showcase - Plan and rehearse group presentations, focusing on explaining design choices and sustainability aspects (15 min)	Sustainable San Diego Showcase - Present scale models and blueprints to an audience, explaining design choices and sustainability features (30 min) Reflection and Assessment - Reflect on the project experience and discuss how scale drawings contribute to sustainable city planning (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized blueprint of the scale model house 2. Completed scale model house with sustainable features 3. Presentation script or notes explaining design choices 4. Written reflection on scale drawings and sustainable city design
Preparation	1. Gather crafting materials for model construction such as cardboard, glue, scissors, rulers, and paint. 2. Arrange the classroom or designated area for the Sustainable San Diego Showcase, including setting up tables and presentation areas. 3. Prepare technology resources if needed, such as projectors for presentations or tablets for virtual tours. 4. Print or provide digital access to reflection prompts to guide students' written reflections. 5. Coordinate with community members or other classes who may attend the showcase to ensure an audience for student presentations.