Students will engage in a hands-on project to design a backyard landscape plan, integrating mathematical concepts such as calculating the area, perimeter, and using graphing and coordinate grids. This experience will cultivate critical thinking and creativity as students balance human use with environmental sustainability, adhering to local regulations and incorporating native plants. By collaborating with community experts, students will understand real-world applications of landscape design while developing self-directed learning skills through ongoing feedback and reflection.

Students will develop skills in spatial reasoning and mathematics by designing their backyard plans using geometric shapes while adhering to CCSS 6th grade standards for calculating area and graphing on coordinate grids. They will enhance their understanding of local environmental requirements and native plants through interactions with community partners. Artistic presentation skills will be refined as students create 3D models and shadow boxes to visually represent their landscaping concepts. The self-directed learning process will be emphasized, allowing students to incorporate feedback and self-reflect to effectively balance functionality and beauty in their designs.

Students will produce detailed landscape plans, utilizing their understanding of geometric calculations, coordinate grids, and city regulations, aligning with CCSS 6th grade math standards. They will construct physical models to visualize their backyard designs, complemented by shadow boxes that exhibit samples of materials, colors, and native plants. The final exhibition will feature their full landscaping plans, models, and shadow boxes, presented to community partners and peers, demonstrating their capacity to harmonize functionality with aesthetics.

Introduce the project by hosting a landscape designer who will guide students in exploring various backyard designs using geometric principles, allowing students to apply mathematical concepts like calculating area and using coordinate grids (CCSS: 6.G.A.1). Together, they will investigate pre-selected landscape plans, identify geometric shapes, and pose questions about different designs to spark curiosity and encourage analysis. This session will help students start formulating ideas for their own projects while emphasizing the integration of aesthetic and functional elements.

Students will showcase their final backyard landscaping designs at a community event attended by family, friends, and local experts. They will present their 24"x36" landscape plans, material shadow boxes, and physical models, explaining design choices, mathematical calculations, including area and coordinate graphs, and the integration of native plants and city codes. Visitors will have the opportunity to provide feedback, encouraging reflection and discussion on balancing functionality with environmental sustainability.