Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Project Launch: Blueprint Bonanza - Students work in teams to create life-sized blueprints of their 'Dream Room' using tape on the classroom floor. They explore area and perimeter hands-on, establishing foundational knowledge for the project. (45 min)
Introduction to Dreamhouse Journals - Students set up their Dreamhouse Journals, where they will document daily progress, challenges, reflections, and feedback. This activity encourages self-directed learning and reflection. (15 min)
Understanding Area and Perimeter - A hands-on exploration of calculating area and perimeter using grid paper and manipulatives. Students solve problems to reinforce their understanding of the formulas. (30 min)
Guest Speaker Session: Architect's Perspective - A local architect visits to discuss how they use math in their designs and answer questions, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world applications. (30 min)
Sketching Initial Dreamhouse Designs - Students begin sketching rough designs for their dreamhouses, incorporating feedback from the architect's session and considering area and perimeter calculations. (15 min)
Exploring Construction Costs - Students learn about the cost of building materials like wood, paint, and carpet. They calculate example costs, integrating math with real-world economics. (20 min)
Refining Dreamhouse Designs - Students refine their initial sketches, considering material costs and ensuring their designs meet budget constraints. Peer feedback is encouraged for collaborative learning. (25 min)
Client Feedback Session - Students present their refined designs to their assigned 'client' classmates, who provide feedback on how well the design meets their needs and budget. Students document feedback in their journals. (30 min)
Reflection and Adjustment - Students reflect on the feedback received and make necessary adjustments to their designs, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed life-sized blueprint of a 'Dream Room' with accurate measurements.
2. Initial sketch of the dream house on graph paper, including calculated area and perimeter for each room.
3. Entries in the 'Dreamhouse Journal' documenting daily progress, challenges, and reflections.
4. Participation in the 'Math in Real Life' discussion, demonstrating understanding of how math applies to their designs.
Preparation 1. Gather materials: graph paper, rulers, measuring tapes, colored pencils, and protractors.
2. Arrange for a virtual tour of unique homes and schedule a guest speaker (architect) for Day 5.
3. Prepare a presentation on basic construction costs and economic considerations.
4. Create a 'Feedback Wall' in the classroom for student questions and peer support.
5. Prepare life-sized blueprint materials (tape) for 'Blueprint Bonanza.'
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Advanced Blueprint Design - Students continue refining their dreamhouse blueprints, ensuring all area and perimeter calculations are accurate. They incorporate client feedback from the previous week. (25 min)
Cost Analysis Discussion - Students analyze the costs associated with their designs, discussing choices related to materials and construction. Emphasis is on balancing design desires with budget constraints. (20 min)
Peer Review Session - Students exchange blueprints and cost analyses with peers for a structured feedback session, offering constructive critique on design feasibility and budget adherence. (30 min)
Journal Reflection - Students document insights from the peer review in their Dreamhouse Journals, focusing on design improvements and personal growth in problem-solving and critical thinking. (15 min)
Math in Real Life Discussion - Community partners, including a real estate agent or construction worker, visit to discuss how they apply math in their professions. Students share their design process and receive professional feedback. (30 min)
Final Design Adjustments - Students make final adjustments to their dreamhouse designs based on feedback from community partners and peers, ensuring all project requirements are met. (15 min)
Presentation Preparation - Students prepare their presentation boards, organizing sketches, blueprints, cost breakdowns, and narratives explaining their design choices and mathematical applications. (25 min)
Rehearsal and Peer Feedback - Students practice presenting their projects to classmates, receiving feedback on clarity and persuasiveness, and making final tweaks to their presentations. (20 min)
Home Expo Day Setup - Students set up their booths for the Home Expo Day, displaying their dreamhouse designs and preparing to present and discuss their projects with families and community partners. (20 min)
Home Expo Day - Students present their dreamhouse designs to visitors, engaging in discussions about their process, design choices, and mathematical applications. Families and partners provide feedback and select standout projects. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Revised and finalized dreamhouse blueprints incorporating client feedback.
2. Completed budget proposals detailing material and construction costs.
3. Presentation boards featuring blueprints, a narrative explaining design choices, and a budget breakdown.
4. Participation in the Home Expo Day, demonstrating ability to communicate design concepts and mathematical applications.
5. Reflective entries in the 'Dreamhouse Journal' documenting learning journey and insights gained from feedback.
Preparation 1. Arrange for community partners, such as architects and real estate agents, to join the 'Math in Real Life' discussion.
2. Prepare materials for creating final presentation boards, including poster boards, markers, and additional art supplies.
3. Organize space and materials for the Home Expo Day, ensuring each student has a designated booth area.
4. Create certificates and awards for the 'Dreamhouse Awards Ceremony.'
5. Ensure access to any digital tools or resources needed for presentations.