Design A Building

Component:        Measurement

Objectives:         To solve real-world problems involving length, weight, perimeter,
                            and area

Materials:           Computer, Microsoft Works or Word, Paint, paper, colored ink

Procedure:          1) Students will design a building using appropriate measurements.
                            2) Draw the "blueprints" on paper. 
                            3) Copy them onto a program such as Paint or place them on a grid.
                            4) Add dimensions using either the Metric system or Standard measurements.
                            5) Add color if desired.
                            6) Students write word problems pertaining to their buildings.
                            7) Print each building.
                            8) Switch papers and each student answers the questions.

Evaluation:         The student who designed the original building will correct the 
                            paper and show the results to the student who took the "test."

                            For a more authentic test the students will answer the following 
                            questions:

                             1) Convert the dimensions of the building from Standard to Metric.
                             2) What is the area of the building?
                             3) If the owner wants to build a fence three feet from the 
                                 building, what is the perimeter? 
                             4) Measure a driveway from the fence to the front door 
                                 of the building. When finished ask if this is a reasonable measurement. 

Homework:         Measure your bedroom and give the dimensions needed for a 
                             wall to wall carpet. Do the same for wallpaper. Then calculate the 
                             measurements.  

Extensions:         *Make a miniature building from a cardboard box.
                             *Send students on an online Math Hunt at  The Math Forum Student Center.
                             *Have students build an online house or design a bridge at Designing Bridges.

Guest Speaker:    Contact a local university or college and invite a Mathematics Professor or a student     
                               majoring in Mathematics to speak to the class.