Learning Goals & Products

Learning Goals

1

Students will be able to investigate household needs and spatial constraints to define an empathetic small-space design problem

2

Students will be able to apply ratios and proportional relationships to calculate scale dimensions and create accurate floor plans

3

Students will be able to write and solve equations and inequalities to model furniture costs, budget limits, and space constraints

4

Students will be able to solve multi-step percent and ratio problems to compare prices, discounts, taxes, material quantities, and budget allocations

5

Students will be able to construct and interpret circle graphs to communicate proportional data about user priorities, space use, or budget categories

6

Students will be able to refine and justify a shared sleeping-and-study-space solution using user feedback, mathematical evidence, and collaborative decision-making

Products

individual

Individual Small-Space Design Research and Mathematics Portfolio

Each student creates a needs profile, circle graph, annotated scale floor plan, budget analysis, equation and inequality models, and an initial design prototype. The portfolio concludes with a mathematical justification and reflection explaining how user evidence and feedback shaped revisions.

team

Affordable Sleeping-and-Study Space Expo Proposal

Each team synthesizes members’ research and concepts into a revised scale model or digital floor plan, itemized budget, data display, and concise public presentation for the Small-Space Design Expo. Team members explain mathematical decisions, user-centered trade-offs, feedback-driven revisions, and design limitations.

Rubric
Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric
Category
Learning Goal
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Deeper Learning Competencies
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • I can identify a problem in a small-space design challenge and use given measurements, ratios, or simple calculations to test one possible solution with support
  • I can choose from provided ideas and use mathematical evidence to show whether my design fits basic space or budget limits.
  • I can compare more than one layout and use proportional reasoning, area, or one- and two-step calculations to improve a design that meets key needs for sleeping and studying
  • I can explain my thinking with math, identify a constraint such as space or cost, and use feedback to make at least one revision.
  • I can use area, scale drawings, proportions, and equations to analyze several design options and select the best solution for a crowded or multigenerational household
  • I can justify my choice with clear mathematical reasoning, notice patterns or efficiencies, and revise my design based on evidence and peer critique.
  • I can independently and creatively solve a complex small-space design problem by combining proportional reasoning, equations, inequalities, percent calculations, and geometric analysis to optimize comfort, affordability, and space use
  • I can evaluate trade-offs, defend my solution with precise mathematical evidence, and lead revisions that respond thoughtfully to real household needs.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Collaboration
  • I can participate in a team design task by sharing my ideas, listening to classmates, and helping my group choose a simple solution for the small-space challenge with support
  • I can use agreed-upon numbers, sketches, or measurements to contribute to our design and stay focused on the group’s goal.
  • I can work with my team to make shared decisions, explain my thinking about one or two design choices, and use math evidence such as area, ratios, or a budget calculation to support our plan
  • I can help my group solve small disagreements by listening to others and suggesting a fair next step.
  • I can co-design a space solution with my team by taking on a role, comparing options using math, and revising our ideas based on feedback or new calculations
  • I can communicate clearly with teammates, justify choices with measurements, proportions, or cost reasoning, and help the group stay organized and on task.
  • I can lead and collaborate flexibly with my team to create and improve a well-reasoned design that meets the space and budget needs of the household scenario
  • I can support others’ ideas, resolve conflicts constructively, and help my team make evidence-based decisions and revisions using mathematical reasoning throughout the project.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Effective Communication
  • I can share a simple idea about my design and listen to my teammates' ideas with respect
  • I can use a picture, label, or short sentence to explain one math choice, such as a measurement, area, or cost, and respond to feedback with help.
  • I can explain my design choices using some math words and evidence from my calculations, such as area, scale, ratios, or budget
  • I can present my thinking clearly to others, ask and answer questions, and use feedback to revise part of my work.
  • I can communicate my team's design plan clearly using organized math evidence, including calculations, labels, and comparisons of space, cost, or proportion
  • I can explain why our solution meets the needs of the household, respond to peer critique with specific reasoning, and make revisions based on what I learn.
  • I can communicate a complete and persuasive design proposal that connects measurements, proportions, equations, percent reasoning, and scale drawings to our solution
  • I can present with confidence, include all team members' voices, use precise mathematical language, and thoughtfully defend or refine our design using audience feedback and evidence.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Academic Mindset
  • I can name a goal for my design that helps children feel included, safe, and supported in a crowded or multigenerational home, and I can describe one need or strength I noticed in the space challenge
  • I can use teacher feedback and team ideas to keep working, even when my first idea does not solve the problem yet.
  • I can explain how my design choices support comfort, belonging, or fairness for the child using some evidence from measurements, budget limits, or family needs
  • I can contribute to team decisions by sharing my thinking, listening to others, and adjusting my work when we compare options.
  • I can use mathematics and community needs together to justify why my design is affordable and comfortable, including how proportions, area, or cost constraints shape my choices
  • I can reflect on what my team improved and how my work helps address the needs of the people who will use the space.
  • I can independently and collaboratively revise my design to better meet the needs of children in a crowded or multigenerational household, using mathematical evidence and empathy to explain how it increases comfort, belonging, and usefulness
  • I can evaluate my own growth as a designer and team member, and use feedback to strengthen my final proposal and reflection.