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Essential Question
What question will guide the project and learning?
Community Partners
What organizations and individuals will collaborate and enhance the learning experience?
Reflection
What opportunities are there for us to reflect on our academic and socio-emotional development?
Assessment
In what ways can we demonstrate what we have learned and how we have grown?
Exhibition
How and who will we celebrate our learning with?
Project Launch
What shared experiences will engage us in the content, skills, and mindsets of the project?
Core Content
What will we need to learn and practice in order to engage in the project?
Critique and Revision
How will opportunities for feedback and refinement be embedded in the project?
Product
What will we make, build, or do that will have an impact on us or the world around us?
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What question will guide the project and learning?


How can we use our understanding of geometry and measurement to create birdhouses that provide safe and suitable habitats for local bird species?

    Design for Mastery Kit
    NEW
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
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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
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