3rd Grade  Project 2 weeks

Perimeter Pals & Area Adventures!

Alexa H
KY.3.MD.8
KY.3.MD.5
KY.3.MD.7
Critical Thinker
Effective Communicator
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage third-grade students in a hands-on project that deepens their understanding of area and perimeter through the real-world application of designing a playground. By constructing miniature playgrounds from recycled materials, students will develop critical thinking skills as they make informed decisions to maximize space efficiently. This project also aims to enhance communication skills as students present their designs and engage in peer reviews, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Learning goals

Students will develop a foundational understanding of area and perimeter by engaging in hands-on activities that require them to design and construct a miniature playground. They will apply mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems, enhancing their critical thinking skills. Through peer reviews and presentations, students will practice effective communication by articulating their design choices and the mathematical reasoning behind them. By collaborating with a local landscape architect, students will gain insights into professional design processes, further enriching their understanding of space maximization and safety considerations.
Standards
  • [Kentucky] KY.3.MD.8 - Solve real world and mathematical problems involving perimeters of polygons.
  • [Kentucky] KY.3.MD.5 - Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement.
  • [Kentucky] KY.3.MD.7 - Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition.
Competencies
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Effective Communicator - Engages diverse audiences respectfully by exchanging ideas and information responsibly, listening actively, speaking and writing clearly, and using print and digital media appropriately.

Products

Students will design and construct a miniature playground using recycled materials, focusing on maximizing area and perimeter. They will create a scaled model of their playground design on graph paper, detailing their strategic choices. Finally, students will present their models at the Playground Design Showcase, clearly explaining the mathematical principles applied in their designs.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Playground Adventure Day' where students visit a local playground. Encourage them to explore various equipment, measure dimensions, and discuss how area and perimeter influence the layout. This hands-on experience will spark curiosity and provide a tangible context for the concepts they will apply in their own playground designs.

Exhibition

Students will present their miniature playground models at the 'Playground Design Showcase,' an event inviting peers, teachers, and parents to explore the creative designs. Each student will explain their design process, highlighting how they maximized area and perimeter while ensuring fun and safety. The showcase will feature interactive stations where attendees can view the scaled models, listen to student presentations, and engage in discussions about the mathematical concepts applied. This exhibition not only celebrates student creativity but also reinforces their understanding of area and perimeter through real-world applications.