Geometric Shelters: Designing for Stability

Created byAnge Evans

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Geometric Shelters: Designing for Stability

Grade 10Math15 days

In this project, students apply geometric principles to design emergency shelters that are structurally sound, resource-efficient, and sustainable. They explore geometric shapes, optimize shelter design for space and materials, and incorporate sustainable materials and construction techniques. Students also develop mathematical models to evaluate the durability and environmental impact of their designs, culminating in a detailed shelter proposal.

Geometric DesignEmergency SheltersStructural StabilitySustainabilityMathematical ModelingOptimization

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use geometry to design emergency shelters that are structurally sound, resource-efficient, and sustainable?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How can geometric shapes provide structural stability in emergency shelters?
What are the most efficient geometric designs for maximizing space and minimizing material usage in shelter construction?
How can mathematical principles guide the design and construction of durable and sustainable emergency shelters?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Apply geometric principles to design structurally sound emergency shelters.
Optimize shelter design for efficient use of space and materials.
Incorporate sustainability principles into shelter design and construction.
Use mathematical models to evaluate the durability of shelter designs

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Emergency Evacuation Challenge

Simulate a natural disaster scenario in the classroom. Students must immediately evacuate and then brainstorm shelter designs using only classroom materials, sparking an urgent need to apply geometric knowledge.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Geometric Shape Exploration

Students will explore various geometric shapes and their structural properties to understand which shapes provide the most stability for building emergency shelters.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research common geometric shapes (triangles, squares, hexagons, etc.) and their structural properties.

2. Create diagrams illustrating how each shape distributes weight and withstands external forces.

3. Write a brief report comparing the stability of each shape and explaining why certain shapes are better suited for shelter construction.

4. Present findings to the class, including visual aids and explanations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation detailing the pros and cons of different geometric shapes for shelter construction, including diagrams and explanations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApplies geometric principles to real-world design challenges, focusing on structural integrity.

Activity 2

Shelter Optimization Challenge

Students use mathematical models to design a shelter that maximizes internal space while minimizing the amount of material used.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Determine the required dimensions for an emergency shelter that can house a specific number of people.

2. Develop a mathematical model to calculate the surface area and volume of different shelter designs.

3. Design a shelter using geometric shapes that maximizes volume while minimizing surface area.

4. Build a scale model of the shelter and present calculations to justify design choices.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA scale model of an emergency shelter with calculations demonstrating optimal use of space and materials.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on optimizing shelter design for space and material efficiency, aligning with mathematical modeling.

Activity 3

Sustainable Shelter Design

Students will research sustainable materials and construction techniques to design an eco-friendly emergency shelter.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research sustainable building materials (e.g., bamboo, recycled plastic, earthbags) and their properties.

2. Design a shelter that incorporates sustainable materials and minimizes environmental impact.

3. Develop a construction plan that outlines the steps required to build the shelter using sustainable techniques.

4. Write an environmental impact assessment that evaluates the shelter's carbon footprint and overall sustainability.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed proposal for a sustainable emergency shelter, including material specifications, construction plans, and an environmental impact assessment.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates sustainability principles into design and construction, promoting durable and environmentally conscious solutions.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Emergency Shelter Design Rubric

Category 1

Geometric Design and Modeling

Focuses on the accuracy and application of geometric principles, optimization of space and materials, and the use of mathematical models.

Criterion 1

Geometric Accuracy

Accuracy and application of geometric principles in shelter design.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and innovative application of geometric principles to design a structurally sound and efficient shelter.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding and appropriate application of geometric principles in shelter design.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding and inconsistent application of geometric principles in shelter design.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with the application of geometric principles in shelter design.

Criterion 2

Optimization

Effectiveness of space and material optimization in shelter design.

Exemplary

4 Points

Innovatively optimizes shelter design for maximum space and minimal material use, demonstrating exceptional efficiency.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively optimizes shelter design for space and material efficiency.

Developing

2 Points

Partially optimizes shelter design for space and material efficiency.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows limited optimization of shelter design for space and material efficiency.

Criterion 3

Mathematical Modeling

Clarity and accuracy of mathematical models used to evaluate shelter durability.

Exemplary

4 Points

Develops and presents comprehensive, accurate mathematical models to evaluate shelter durability with exceptional clarity.

Proficient

3 Points

Develops and presents clear, accurate mathematical models to evaluate shelter durability.

Developing

2 Points

Presents basic mathematical models with some inaccuracies to evaluate shelter durability.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents incomplete or inaccurate mathematical models to evaluate shelter durability.

Category 2

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Focuses on the integration of sustainable materials, construction techniques, and the overall environmental impact.

Criterion 1

Material Selection

Research and selection of appropriate sustainable building materials.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts in-depth research and selects innovative, highly sustainable materials, demonstrating a deep understanding of environmental impact.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts thorough research and selects appropriate sustainable materials.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging research and selects partially sustainable materials.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows limited research and selects inappropriate or unsustainable materials.

Criterion 2

Construction Techniques

Integration of sustainable construction techniques in shelter design.

Exemplary

4 Points

Integrates advanced sustainable construction techniques into shelter design, showing exceptional innovation and environmental consciousness.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively integrates sustainable construction techniques into shelter design.

Developing

2 Points

Partially integrates sustainable construction techniques into shelter design.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows limited integration of sustainable construction techniques into shelter design.

Criterion 3

Environmental Impact

Thoroughness and accuracy of the environmental impact assessment.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and exceptionally accurate environmental impact assessment, demonstrating deep insight into carbon footprint and sustainability.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a thorough and accurate environmental impact assessment.

Developing

2 Points

Presents a basic environmental impact assessment with some inaccuracies.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents an incomplete or inaccurate environmental impact assessment.

Category 3

Proposal Quality and Innovation

Focuses on the quality and clarity of the final proposal, including material specifications, construction plans, and innovative design elements.

Criterion 1

Organization and Clarity

Clarity and organization of the shelter design proposal.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents an exceptionally clear, well-organized, and professional shelter design proposal.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents a clear and well-organized shelter design proposal.

Developing

2 Points

Presents a somewhat disorganized shelter design proposal.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents a poorly organized and unclear shelter design proposal.

Criterion 2

Completeness and Accuracy

Completeness and accuracy of material specifications and construction plans.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides comprehensive and exceptionally accurate material specifications and construction plans.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides complete and accurate material specifications and construction plans.

Developing

2 Points

Provides partially complete and somewhat inaccurate material specifications and construction plans.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides incomplete and inaccurate material specifications and construction plans.

Criterion 3

Innovation and Creativity

Overall creativity and innovation in shelter design.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional creativity and innovation in the shelter design, exceeding expectations.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates creativity and innovation in the shelter design.

Developing

2 Points

Shows some creativity in the shelter design.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows limited creativity in the shelter design.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

What was the most surprising thing you learned about geometry in the context of emergency shelter design?

Text

Required

Question 2

To what extent do you think geometric principles can significantly improve the effectiveness of emergency shelters?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which aspect of shelter design (structural stability, space efficiency, sustainability) did you find most challenging to address, and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Structural Stability

Space Efficiency

Sustainability

All were equally challenging

None were challenging

Question 4

How has this project changed your perspective on the role of mathematics in addressing real-world problems?

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Required

Question 5

If you could revisit your shelter design, what specific geometric principle or material would you explore further to enhance its performance?

Text

Required