10th Grade  Project 1 week

Solid Solutions: Volume & Surface Area Quest

Debra S
GEO.G-MG.A.1
GEO.G-MG.A.1
GEO.G-GMD.A.3
Build models, prototypes, or action plans
Represent and communicate information mathematically
1-pager

Purpose

Students will engage in a week-long exploration of geometric modeling to design eco-friendly building models. Through hands-on activities like 'Build-a-Block' and a 'Shape Hunt,' learners will develop a practical understanding of volume and surface area, applying mathematical formulas to create accurate representations. By the end of the project, students will have built physical models and documented their design processes, enhancing their ability to solve real-world, quantitative problems using geometric concepts.

Learning goals

Students will apply geometric principles to design and construct eco-friendly building models, focusing on calculating volume and surface area using appropriate formulas. They will accurately represent and communicate their problem-solving processes and results through mathematical means. Students will reflect on their design and construction experiences, documenting challenges and solutions while using digital tools to share insights and visual evidences of their learning journey.
Standards
  • [Massachusetts] GEO.G-MG.A.1 - Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe objects (e.g., modeling a tree trunk or a human torso as a cylinder).
  • [Massachusetts] GEO.G-MG.A.1 - Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe objects (e.g., modeling a tree trunk or a human torso as a cylinder).
  • [Massachusetts] GEO.G-GMD.A.3 - Use volume formulas for cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres to solve problems.
Competencies
  • Design Solutions - Build models, prototypes, or action plans (DS.2)
  • Reason Quantitatively - Represent and communicate information mathematically (RQ.3)

Products

Throughout the week, students will create miniature models of eco-friendly buildings using cardboard and recycled materials, applying geometric principles to design efficiently and accurately. By week's end, they will compile a digital portfolio that includes photos of their completed building models, reflections on their design process, and solutions for overcoming any challenges faced. Additionally, students will produce a presentation where they explain how they utilized volume and surface area calculations in their models to achieve a specified environmental footprint.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive 'Build-a-Block' day where students collaborate in teams to design and construct miniature models of sustainable buildings using recycled materials. Each team will apply geometric principles to ensure their models accurately represent solids in terms of volume and surface area. This hands-on activity will be complemented by a 'Shape Hunt' challenge, where students actively investigate their surroundings to capture images of real-world structures that exemplify geometric shapes, fostering a deeper understanding of the project's essential question.

Exhibition

At the culmination of the project, organize a "Green Architecture Expo" where students showcase their miniature models of eco-friendly buildings. Display the models along with digital reflections, including photos and sketches, highlighting the design process, challenges faced, and problem-solving strategies. Invite school community members, such as teachers, parents, and peers, to attend and engage with students by discussing the geometric principles and environmental considerations incorporated into their designs. This event allows students to articulate their mathematical and design reasoning, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their work.