In this project students will work in groups to develop a custom design of either a Treehouse or a Greenhouse. After researching both possibilities each group will choose one of the two to focus on. Students will work from a conceptual design through a detailed design including scale drawings and 3-D models. Groups will develop a cost estimate for their design and prepare a final written report and oral presentation on their design.
- An estimated total of fifteen class days will be spent, spread out through the fourth quarter.
- Mr. Pandolfo’s Block 1 Geometry class (16 students – 4 or 5 groups) and Ms. Lowe’s Block 2 Geometry class (21 students – 5 or 6 groups) will participate.
- If possible Mr. Lajeunesse’s Pre-Engineering Graphics/Architecture students will participate in helping the Geometry students with scale drawings and computer prints.
- Barre Vocational Center (Pre-engineering graphics, Architecture).
- Local professionals (advisors, guest speakers, design reviewers), TBD.
- Price Lists for Construction Materials
- Foam Board, Wood, and Glue for 3-D models
- How can having students design and model a Treehouse or Greenhouse help them to understand how geometry fits into things outside the classroom, including science classes, tech center classes, and the community?
- How can this project begin a process to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, academic-vocational integration and community partnerships?
- How will students decide between a Treehouse and a Greenhouse?
- What learning will students need to accomplish to create a conceptual design, a set of drawings, and a 3-D model?
- As students apply what they have learned conceptually throughout the year to an actual product/project, they see how Geometry can really be used. One large project which ties many concepts together provides a relevance that individual problems assigned for homework or classwork do not.
- In working in groups toward a product/project goal, students learn and practice valuable skills which will be necessary in their adult lives.
- One hope is that the designs developed in this project can begin a process which continues into the future with others in the school and greater community. The Greenhouse design could ultimately result in an actual Greenhouse, Community Garden, School Food Program, Composting Program, and enhancement to Science Curriculum. The Treehouse design could ultimately result in an actual Treehouse constructed on school grounds or in the community for a play structure.
- Written Report describing both the product produced and also the process by which the group produced it. Estimated cost and materials list would be included.
- Scale Drawings and 3-D models of the product.
- Oral Presentation to the class on the product.
Addressing Service Learning Best Practices
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to apply the concept of similarity to scale up.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to cost their product from their design and a materials price list.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to develop a set of design drawings from a conceptual design.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to build a 3-Dimensional scale model from a set of drawings.
- Students will plan and execute a design project as a cooperative group.
- Students will create an original design based on architectural principles.
- Students will draw compelling renditions of design concepts.
- Students will build 3D models of designs.
- Students will be evaluated through formative assessment through journaling.
- Students will be evaluated through teacher observation of their involvement in a classroom setting.
- Students will be evaluated through an evaluation of their written report.
- Students will be evaluated through an evaluation of their oral presentation.
- Students will be evaluated through an evaluation of their scale model and drawings.
- Create learning opportunities for students in the future in other disciplines through a continuation of the project.
- Begin a process which may result in an operating Greenhouse to serve some client in the future (i.e. providing produce for the Good Samaritan Haven).
- Begin a process which may result in a functional Treehouse to serve children and adults in the community.
- 36 student in two Geometry classes (Mr. Pandolfo’s Block 1 and Ms. Lowe’s Block 2)
- Students broken into 11 groups
- Students vary in both their academic ability and in their socio-economic background.
- Groups are given the choice between designing a Greenhouse or a Treehouse
- This Project has the potential to create links between different academic departments within the High School (such as Math, Science, and Family and Consumer Science), between the High School and the Tech Center (by pulling in Building Trades, CAD/PEG/Drafting, and Hotel and Restaurant Management), and between the school and the community (by providing potential play structures, community gardens and food supplies).
- Students have prepared for this project through studying units in the following areas of Geometry: Area, Volume, Similarity, Trigonometry, Triangles, Polygons, and Circles.
- See attached Student Lessons for Project Day 1 and Project Day 2, along with student work from those days.
- Students will reflect on their work, the product, and the process throughout the project through Journals in the following ways:
- In the Introduction Phase (Day 1 and Day 2) they will reflect on how their groups are working and how they think will be involved in this Project.
- In subsequent phases they will reflect on how the design process is working for them, how their groups are working, how their product is coming out, and where they think their product can be taken in the future (beyond this year)
- The students’ work can be celebrated in different ways:
- Students can make final (oral) presentations of their designs and models.
- Completed design models can be displayed in common areas of the school (i.e. in the school lobby)
- Other math classes, or classes in other academic areas, can have “walk-through” sessions of the models on display.
- A “walk-through” can be scheduled for members of the community.
