"Divide & Conquer: Scaling Adventure!"

7th Grade Project 3 weeks

"Divide & Conquer: Scaling Adventure!"

Ayleene O

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

CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.1

CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.3

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

Design and construct a scale model of your dream house, applying division and scale factors to ensure it fits within a specific plot size. Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving as you explore innovative architectural designs and address real-world spatial challenges. Reflect on your communication skills by role-playing as an architect presenting your blueprint to a client. Throughout the project, use teacher and peer feedback to guide your learning and build self-awareness, fostering a sense of identity and belonging within the learning community.

Learning goals

Design and present a blueprint for a dream house that fits within a specific plot size, using division and scale factors to ensure accuracy. Develop a scale model of a historical landmark, applying mathematical concepts to replicate its dimensions. Enhance self-directed learning by reflecting on feedback and refining your project. Strengthen your academic mindset by establishing a sense of identity and belonging through engaging, real-world tasks. Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring innovative approaches to authentic, community-relevant questions.

Standards

[Common Core] 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.
[Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.1 - Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions, including ratios of lengths, areas and other quantities measured in like or different units.
[Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.3 - Use proportional relationships to solve multistep ratio and percent problems.

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

Create a detailed blueprint for your dream house, ensuring it fits within a specific plot size by applying division and scale factors. Construct a scale model of this house using materials like cardboard or clay, demonstrating your understanding of geometric figures and proportional relationships. Additionally, replicate a historical landmark as a scale model, showcasing your ability to compute actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing. Present both models to the class, explaining your process and mathematical reasoning.

Launch

Begin with a hands-on activity where you explore a variety of real-world objects, such as toys, tools, or household items, and identify their scale representations. Work in small groups to measure and calculate the scale factors of these objects, discussing how they relate to their full-sized counterparts. This will spark curiosity and set the stage for understanding the importance of division and scale factors in creating accurate models.

Exhibition

Organize an "Architectural Showcase" where you present your dream house blueprints and scale models to classmates, teachers, and parents. Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's work, focusing on the use of division and scale factors. Engage in a role-play activity, assuming the role of an architect, to explain your design choices and mathematical reasoning to your audience.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Introduction to Scale Factors - Explore real-world objects like toys or tools, measure them, and calculate scale factors in small groups to understand their full-sized counterparts. Discuss the importance of division and scale factors in creating accurate models. (45 min)	Understanding Blueprints - Learn how to interpret and create simple blueprints. Discuss how architects use scale factors to design buildings. Sketch a simple blueprint for a room using a 1:100 scale. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. A completed worksheet or digital record showing the measurements of real-world objects and their calculated scale factors. 2. A written reflection on the initial hands-on activity, discussing observations about scale factors and their significance. 3. A list of potential architectural design ideas for a dream house, including a preliminary sketch or concept.
Preparation	1. Gather a variety of real-world objects such as toys, tools, and household items for the hands-on activity. 2. Prepare measuring tools like rulers, tape measures, and calipers for students to use in measuring objects. 3. Create a worksheet or digital form for students to record measurements and calculate scale factors. 4. Set up a classroom space that allows for small group collaboration and discussion. 5. Prepare a brief introduction to scale factors and division, focusing on real-world applications.

Week 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Exploring Scale Models - Investigate various scale models of famous landmarks. Measure and calculate the scale factors used in these models to understand their real-world dimensions. Discuss how division helps in converting measurements to scale. (20 min) Dream House Blueprint Drafting - Begin drafting the blueprint for your dream house, applying division and scale factors to ensure it fits within a defined plot size. Share your initial ideas with a peer for feedback. (25 min)	Peer Feedback and Reflection - Present your dream house blueprint draft to a small group, receiving peer feedback on clarity and use of scale factors. Reflect on the feedback and identify areas for improvement in your design and communication. (20 min) Refining Blueprints - Use the feedback received to refine and enhance your blueprint. Ensure all measurements and scale factors are accurately represented. Prepare to role-play as an architect explaining your design decisions and mathematical reasoning. (25 min)
Deliverables	1. A refined and detailed blueprint of your dream house incorporating feedback. 2. A partially constructed scale model of your dream house, showcasing accurate use of scale factors. 3. A written reflection or journal entry on the role-play experience and self-assessment of communication skills. 4. Participation in peer feedback sessions, providing constructive criticism and insights.
Preparation	1. Gather materials such as cardboard, clay, rulers, and cutting tools for model construction. 2. Prepare feedback forms for peer and teacher evaluations. 3. Organize a space for storing and displaying unfinished models safely. 4. Set up a schedule for role-play presentations to practice communication skills. 5. Provide access to reference materials or videos on architectural design principles. 6. Prepare a checklist for students to self-assess their blueprint and model for accuracy and completeness.

Week 3	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Finalizing Dream House Blueprints - Make any last adjustments to your dream house blueprint based on previous feedback. Ensure all scale factors are accurately calculated and documented. (20 min) Role-Playing as Architects - Practice presenting your blueprint in a role-play scenario where you explain your design choices and mathematical reasoning to a 'client.' Focus on clear communication and responding to questions. (25 min)	Constructing the Dream House Scale Model - Begin building a scale model of your dream house using materials like cardboard or clay. Apply division and scale factors to replicate your blueprint accurately. (25 min) Peer Review and Feedback - Present your work-in-progress model to peers for feedback on accuracy and design. Use this feedback to refine your model. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete and present the blueprint of your dream house, ensuring it fits within the specified plot size using division and scale factors. 2. Construct and present a scale model of your dream house using materials like cardboard or clay. 3. Replicate and present a scale model of a historical landmark, applying division and scale factors to accurately represent its dimensions. 4. Participate in the role-play activity as an architect, presenting your blueprint and models to an audience. 5. Engage in the gallery walk, providing feedback to peers and reflecting on your own learning and communication skills.
Preparation	1. Gather materials such as colored pencils, rulers, graph paper, cardboard, and clay for constructing scale models. 2. Set up a space in the classroom for the Architectural Showcase where models and blueprints can be displayed. 3. Prepare feedback forms to facilitate peer and teacher evaluations during the gallery walk. 4. Arrange for digital cameras or smartphones to document the showcase and student presentations. 5. Coordinate with parents and other classes for visiting the Architectural Showcase.