Learning Goals
Students will be able to investigate the unused outdoor area using simple observations and questions to identify community needs for a natural play space.
Students will be able to sort and compare recycled and natural materials by size, shape, texture, color, and safety for play.
Students will be able to count and measure the play space and materials to help plan where features can fit safely.
Students will be able to create and read simple maps and blueprints with symbols to show where paths, stepping stones, loose parts, digging spots, and story circles belong.
Students will be able to ask and answer questions with classmates, families, and community partners about safe and fun features in natural play spaces.
Students will be able to describe how reused materials and natural objects can improve the school community space.
Students will be able to revise a class design plan based on feedback and testing to make the play space safer and more fun.
Products
My Natural Play Space Research Page and Mini Prototype Drawing
Each student completes a teacher-supported research page with a simple empathy map or observation notes from the site walk, plus a labeled mini prototype drawing showing one play feature that meets a user need. This proves individual understanding of materials, space, and safety before the class design is combined.
Class Natural Play Space Map, Shared Prototype, and Ribbon-Cutting Visitor Guide
The class creates one shared problem statement, a large map/blueprint, and a low-tech prototype or improved site plan for the natural play space, then uses it to present the finished area to families and community partners. The team product shows how individual research informed the final design and how the solution meets student and community needs.
No rubric has been generated yet.