Project Dream Space
This 9-weeks, students will be using their understanding of area, perimeter and fractions to design and construct a model of their "dream space." They will also be determining the total cost for their project based on their design. To wrap up this unit, students will be presenting their projects using persuasive speaking techniques in order to persuade their parents that this space will be beneficial to their success in life.
Lesson 1: The Importance of Understanding Area and Perimeter
Students will discuss area and perimeter and take a pre-assessment to determine their understanding. After introducing the Dream Space project, students will be asked to use what they know about area and perimeter to draw a scaled drawing of their Dream Space using graph paper. The total area of the Dream Space may not exceed 400 sq. ft.
Guiding Questions: How can we determine the size of this classroom? How does it compare to your bedroom? How much space to you think you need to create a Dream Space? Does your Dream Space need to be broken up into separate areas, or is one basic area sufficient? As a class, discuss the pros and cons of developing a complex space (with multiple rectangular areas), or a simple space (basic rectangle shaped area).
At Home: Check out the following website for some thematic ideas for your Dream Space: http://www.archkidecture.org/
Guiding Questions: How can we determine the size of this classroom? How does it compare to your bedroom? How much space to you think you need to create a Dream Space? Does your Dream Space need to be broken up into separate areas, or is one basic area sufficient? As a class, discuss the pros and cons of developing a complex space (with multiple rectangular areas), or a simple space (basic rectangle shaped area).
At Home: Check out the following website for some thematic ideas for your Dream Space: http://www.archkidecture.org/
Lesson 2: Developing the Dream Theme
Students will refer to their scaled drawing of their Dream Space. They will brainstorm ideas for themes that will help them explore their interests. After determining their Dream Theme, they will make any necessary changes to their scaled drawing, so it will be ready for the next step.
Lesson 3: Determining Base Materials, Minimizing Cost, and Reducing Waste
Students will combine their knowledge of fractions, multiplication and area to determine the cost of the materials they want to use to create the walls, floors, and windows in their Dream Space. They will also determine how much of each material to buy to minimize the cost and to reduce wasted material.
Lesson 4: The Difference Between 2-D and 3-D Models
Students will discuss the difference between 2-D and 3-D models. They will determine the pros and cons of each type of model when sharing ideas with an audience. They will learn about nets and how nets can be used to create a 3-D shape. They will be challenged to figure out how to create a net to represent their Dream Space.
Guiding Questions: What measurements will you have to know to create the net? Can your net be created in one piece? Why or why not?
Students will practice using nets to create various 3-D shapes. How will nets differ if the top of the model needs to be open? They will begin planning the net they will use to represent their own Dream Space.
At Home: If students do not finish developing their 3-D net template, they will be asked to complete it at home before the next class.
Guiding Questions: What measurements will you have to know to create the net? Can your net be created in one piece? Why or why not?
Students will practice using nets to create various 3-D shapes. How will nets differ if the top of the model needs to be open? They will begin planning the net they will use to represent their own Dream Space.
At Home: If students do not finish developing their 3-D net template, they will be asked to complete it at home before the next class.
Lesson 5: Creating the Dream Space Model
The students will pair up and discuss their completed plans for their Dream Space net. Any adjustments that are needed will be made. The teacher will guide students in transferring their 3-D net design to posterboard. Nets will be cut and folded into their appropriate shape. Nets made of multiple pieces will be connected, so that students have their base Dream Space Model.
Lesson 6: Adding Details to Your Model
Students will be encouraged to add details to their model including representations of furniture, windows, flooring, specific decorations that may support their theme, and any other details they feel will add information about how their Dream Space will support their personal development. Students will be reminded that these details may also be used in the persuasive piece of this project.
Lesson 7: Finalizing Details and Developing the Persuasive Presentation
Students will be reminded that this project must be approved by their parents in order for it to be brought to life. They will finalize any details that still need to be added to their model, and they will begin planning their persuasive presentation. This persuasive piece may be done in the form of a speech that will be given, and it may include visuals outside of their model that will help support their argument that this Dream Space will be valuable to their personal growth and development. Computer time will be provided if needed.
Lesson 8: Finalizing the Persuasive Presentation
Students will use the time to complete their persuasive presentations. They will consult with peers and Ms. Drake to determine any changes that may need to be made.
Lesson 9: Practice Presentation
Students will present their projects to the class. At the end of all presentations, students will participate in a self-evaluation and reflection of the project. They will discuss what they learned. Students will be given invitations to give to their parents for Persuading the Parents Night.