Birdhouse Builders: Math Meets Nature!

All grades Project 3 weeks

Birdhouse Builders: Math Meets Nature!

Sarah L

CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-MG.A.2

CCSS.Math.Content.7.G.B.6

CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.4

PS.3.B

PS.3.A

+ 3 more

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Purpose

In this project, students will engage in hands-on learning by designing and building birdhouses, applying concepts of geometry, measurement, and thermal energy to create suitable habitats for local bird species. Through collaboration with community partners, such as outdoor education teachers and wildlife experts, students will deepen their understanding of environmental conservation and energy transfer. This project fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging students to reflect on their learning process and develop a sense of belonging and identity within their community.

Learning goals

Students will explore geometric concepts such as area, volume, and surface area to design and build birdhouses that meet the needs of local bird species. They will apply mathematical principles to calculate density and understand energy transfer, ensuring the birdhouses maintain suitable thermal conditions. Through collaboration with community partners, students will enhance their critical thinking skills by addressing real-world challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within their community.

Standards

[Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-MG.A.2 - Apply concepts of density based on area and volume in modeling situations (e.g., persons per square mile, BTUs per cubic foot).
[Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.7.G.B.6 - Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms.
[Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.4 - Measure volumes by counting unit cubes, using cubic cm, cubic in, cubic ft, and improvised units.
[Next Generation Science Standards] PS.3.B - Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
[Next Generation Science Standards] PS.3.A - Definitions of Energy

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct birdhouses tailored to the needs of local bird species, incorporating principles of geometry and measurement to ensure appropriate size and structure. Throughout the project, students will create detailed blueprints and models, using area, surface area, and volume calculations to optimize space and thermal energy conservation. By the end, each group will present their birdhouse to community partners, showcasing their understanding of density and energy transfer in creating sustainable habitats.

Launch

Begin the project by taking students on a guided nature walk along campus trails, led by the outdoor education teacher and local wildlife experts. During the walk, students will observe different bird species and their natural habitats, discussing the importance of suitable shelter and thermal energy for survival. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and provide context for the birdhouse project, encouraging students to think critically about how their designs can support local wildlife.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Birdhouse Showcase" event on campus trails, inviting community members, local wildlife experts, and the outdoor education teacher to view and discuss the birdhouses. Each student or group will present their birdhouse design, explaining the geometry and measurement concepts used, and how these provide a suitable habitat for local bird species. Attendees can engage in interactive stations where students demonstrate the thermal energy considerations in their designs, fostering dialogue and feedback.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 12

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Nature Walk and Observation Activity (Deprecated)	Birdhouse Design Brainstorm Activity (Deprecated) Geometry and Measurement Introduction Activity (Deprecated)	Prototype Sketching Activity (Deprecated) Peer Feedback Session Activity (Deprecated)	Refining Designs Activity (Deprecated) Material Exploration Activity (Deprecated)
Preparation

Week 2	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Measurement and Estimation Activity (Deprecated) Final Design Presentation Activity (Deprecated) Reflection and Journaling Activity (Deprecated) Volume Calculation Practice Activity (Deprecated)	Scaling and Ratios Activity (Deprecated) Ratio Application Activity Activity (Deprecated)	Material Selection and Justification Activity (Deprecated) Drafting Construction Plans Activity (Deprecated)	Peer Review and Feedback Activity (Deprecated) Plan Refinement Activity (Deprecated)
Preparation

Week 3	Day 9	Day 10	Day 11	Day 12
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Mock Construction Activity (Deprecated) Prototype Construction Activity (Deprecated) Reflection and Journaling Activity (Deprecated) Reflective Check-In Activity (Deprecated)	Construction Continuation Activity (Deprecated) Peer Review Session Activity (Deprecated)	Problem-Solving Workshop Activity (Deprecated) Construction Finalization Activity (Deprecated)	Testing and Evaluation Activity (Deprecated) Feedback and Reflection Session Activity (Deprecated)
Preparation