"Perimeter Quest: Schoolyard Adventure!"

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

All grades Project 2 weeks

"Perimeter Quest: Schoolyard Adventure!"

Hardin, A

KY.3.G.2

Effective Communicator

Productive Collaborator

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Purpose

In this project, students will engage in a collaborative, hands-on learning experience by designing a playground layout that maximizes space and ensures equal-sized sections. By working alongside university partners, they will apply their understanding of area and perimeter in a real-world context, enhancing their communication and collaboration skills. This project fosters creativity and problem-solving while encouraging students to express their ideas clearly and respectfully, culminating in the creation and presentation of a scale model.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of area and perimeter by designing playground layouts with equal-sized sections. They will enhance their communication skills by collaborating with university students, sharing ideas, and presenting their designs. Through hands-on model creation, students will apply mathematical concepts practically while building teamwork and empathy within their groups.

Standards

[Kentucky] KY.3.G.2 - Partition shapes into parts with equal areas. Express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole.

Competencies

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.
Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a scale model of a playground using recycled materials. Each group will present their model, detailing their calculations of area and perimeter for each section and explaining their design choices. These models will be showcased in a classroom exhibition, inviting feedback from peers and university partners.

Launch

Kick off the project with a visit to the school's current playground, where students can explore and measure different sections, discussing how the space is used and what improvements could be made. Invite university partners to join the visit, facilitating discussions on how playground design impacts play and learning. Back in the classroom, introduce the challenge of designing a new playground layout, emphasizing the importance of equal area sections for fair play.

Exhibition

Host a "Playground Design Showcase" where students present their scale models to classmates, university partners, and family members. Each group explains their design choices, how they calculated area and perimeter, and the importance of equal sections. Encourage students to use digital media to create a visual presentation or video tour of their playground model. This event not only celebrates their learning but also allows them to practice effective communication and collaboration skills in a real-world context.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Playground Exploration - Visit the school playground to measure and discuss different areas, observing how space is utilized and potential improvements (15 min) Partner Introduction - Meet university partners to exchange ideas on playground design and understand the impact of space on play and learning (15 min)	Design Challenge Introduction - Present the challenge of designing a new playground layout with equal area sections, emphasizing creativity and fairness (15 min) Brainstorm Session - Collaborate in small groups to generate ideas for playground sections, focusing on maximizing space and ensuring equal areas (15 min)	Area and Perimeter Workshop - Learn how to calculate area and perimeter through interactive activities and apply knowledge to playground design (15 min) Group Design Drafting - Begin drafting initial playground layout sketches, incorporating equal area sections and university partners' feedback (15 min)
Deliverables	1. A scale drawing of the playground design with labeled sections showing calculated area and perimeter.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the university education department to schedule visits and prepare student partners for their roles. 2. Gather measuring tools (measuring tapes, rulers), graph paper, pencils, and calculators for student use. 3. Prepare materials for the reflection circle, such as a talking piece or prompt questions to facilitate discussion.

Week 2	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Scale Model Building - Collaborate with university partners to begin constructing scale models of playground designs using recycled materials, focusing on equal area sections (15 min) Peer Review Session - Share model progress with classmates, receiving and giving feedback on design choices and calculation accuracy (15 min)	Refinement and Calculation - Continue refining playground models, ensuring precise calculations of area and perimeter for each section (15 min) Communication Workshop - Practice presenting model designs and mathematical justifications clearly to a diverse audience, including university partners (15 min)	Final Touches and Presentation Preparation - Apply final adjustments to models and rehearse presentations, emphasizing clear articulation of ideas and collaboration with partners (15 min) Reflection Circle - Gather to discuss insights gained from the project, focusing on teamwork, communication skills, and understanding of area and perimeter (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Completion and presentation of the scale model of the playground, with explanations of how area and perimeter were calculated and the rationale behind the design choices.
Preparation	1. Gather recycled materials such as cardboard, plastic containers, and fabric for students to use in constructing their scale models. 2. Prepare measuring tools such as rulers, tape measures, and string for students to accurately calculate and verify their designs. 3. Create a schedule for university partners to visit and assist students during the design and construction phase. 4. Set up a classroom area for model construction, ensuring there is sufficient space for each group to work collaboratively. 5. Organize digital media resources for students to use in creating visual presentations or video tours of their playground models. 6. Prepare reflection circle prompts to guide students in sharing their learning experiences and feelings about the project.