Designing Dream Parks: Geometry in Action

7th Grade Project 1 week

Designing Dream Parks: Geometry in Action

Ashley Byerley

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Purpose

The project aims to engage students in designing a community park by applying their understanding of geometric principles. Through hands-on activities, students will explore real-world applications of area, volume, and scale, fostering their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. By collaborating with community partners, students will gain insights into professional design processes and receive feedback on their work, enhancing their communication and presentation abilities.

Learning goals

Students will apply geometric principles to design a functional and aesthetically pleasing community park, utilizing their knowledge of area, surface area, volume, and scale drawings. They will develop problem-solving skills by calculating and optimizing space and resources, ensuring their designs are practical and efficient. Through collaboration with community partners, students will enhance their communication skills by presenting their ideas and receiving constructive feedback. This project will also encourage students to reflect on their learning journey, fostering a deeper understanding of geometry's real-world applications.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6: Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.A.1: Solve problems involving scale drawings of geometric figures, including computing actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing and reproducing a scale drawing at a different scale.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.4: Know the formulas for the area and circumference of a circle and use them to solve problems; give an informal derivation of the relationship between the circumference and area of a circle.

Products

Students will create a 3D printed prototype of a park section, showcasing their understanding of geometric principles. They will also construct a scale model of a community park using recycled materials, accurately applying geometric measurements. These products will be presented to community members and local officials, allowing students to receive feedback and refine their designs.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive 'Virtual Reality Park Tour' where students explore digital models of famous parks worldwide. As they navigate through these virtual spaces, encourage them to identify geometric shapes and discuss how these shapes are applied in park design. This experience will spark curiosity and provide a visual and contextual foundation for their own park design projects.

Exhibition

Host a "Community Park Design Expo" where students showcase their 3D printed prototypes and scale models to community members, city planners, and landscape architects. Set up interactive stations where students can present their video presentations, explaining their design choices and mathematical reasoning. Encourage attendees to provide feedback and ask questions, fostering a dialogue between students and the community. Include a reflection area where students share their journal entries, highlighting their learning journey and teamwork experiences.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Virtual Reality Park Tour: Students will participate in an interactive session where they explore digital models of famous parks worldwide. Encourage students to identify geometric shapes and discuss how these shapes are applied in park design.	Group Brainstorming Session: Students will form groups to brainstorm and sketch initial ideas for their community park design, focusing on maximizing space and resources using geometric principles.	Scale Drawing Workshop: Students will learn to create scale drawings of their park designs, practicing calculating actual lengths and areas from their scale drawings.	Geometry in Action: Students will apply formulas for the area and circumference of circles to determine the dimensions of circular features in their park designs.	Prototype Planning: Groups will plan the construction of a 3D printed prototype of a section of their park, considering the surface area and volume of their design.
Deliverables	1. Initial Park Design Sketch: A group sketch that outlines the basic layout and geometric elements of their community park. 2. Scale Drawings: Accurate scale drawings of their park design, showing dimensions and areas calculated. 3. Prototype Blueprint: A detailed plan for the 3D printed prototype of a section of their park, including surface area and volume calculations.
Preparation	1. Prepare Virtual Reality Equipment: Set up VR equipment and software for the park tour, ensuring all students have access. 2. Gather Geometric Tools: Provide rulers, protractors, compasses, and graph paper for students' scale drawing activities. 3. Coordinate with Community Partners: Arrange a virtual or in-person meeting with city planners or landscape architects for feedback on student designs. 4. 3D Printing Resources: Ensure access to a 3D printer and necessary materials, and prepare a basic tutorial on using the printer for student prototypes. 5. Reflection Journal Templates: Create template pages for students to use in their daily reflection journals.