Pirate Ship Restoration: Math Measurements in Action
Created byEmily Schwintek
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Pirate Ship Restoration: Math Measurements in Action

Grade 5Math6 days
In the 'Pirate Ship Restoration: Math Measurements in Action' project, fifth-grade students explore the impact of measurement precision while working on restoring a historical pirate ship. Through engaging activities such as creating blueprints and 3D models, students apply math skills to convert measurement units and ensure historical accuracy. They participate in collaborative problem-solving and are challenged to understand the significance of measurement in preserving cultural heritage, culminating in a persuasive paper advocating for precision in restoration.
MeasurementPirate ShipRestorationHistorical AccuracyUnit ConversionBlueprintsModels
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.In what ways can understanding and applying measurements transform the process of restoring a historical pirate ship, ensuring accuracy and respect for its original design?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can understanding measurements help restore a historical pirate ship?
  • What are the different units of measurement, and how do they apply to real-world projects like ship restoration?
  • How can measuring length, volume, and weight contribute to the accuracy and success of restoring an old ship?
  • Why is it important to be precise in measurements during restoration projects?
  • What techniques can be used to convert measurements from one unit to another in the context of restoring a pirate ship?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to identify and apply various units of measurement relevant to ship restoration, including length, volume, and weight.
  • Students will develop proficiency in converting measurement units within the same system to support precision in restoration projects.
  • Students will employ problem-solving skills to address multi-step measurement tasks involved in restoring a historical pirate ship.
  • Students will understand the importance of precision in measurements to ensure historical accuracy and structural integrity in restoration projects.
  • Students will engage in collaborative problem-solving to determine the best approaches to accurately measure and restore different parts of a pirate ship.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

5.MD.A.1
Primary
Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system (e.g., convert 5 cm to 0.05 m), and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems.Reason: This standard directly supports the project by enabling students to convert different measurement units, a key skill necessary for accurately restoring historical structures to their original dimensions.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Mystery of the Missing Mast

Students receive a mysterious letter from a fictitious historical society asking for their help to solve the mystery of a missing mast from a recently discovered pirate ship. The letter includes clues requiring measurement and calculation to find the right dimensions for the mast.

The Captain's Challenge

Students receive a recorded video message from a 'pirate captain' challenging them to restore his ship using precise measurements. The challenge involves solving a series of measurement tasks to ensure the ship is seaworthy.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Measurement Mastery Quest

Students embark on a quest to gather and understand different measurement units crucial for the restoration of the pirate ship. This activity sets the foundation for knowing how to measure different elements like length, volume, and weight.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the measurement systems (metric and imperial) and their units to the class.
2. Discuss the relevance of each type of measurement (length, volume, weight) to ship restoration.
3. Provide practice worksheets where students convert between different units (e.g., cm to m, liters to gallons).
4. Conduct a class discussion on any challenges faced during the conversions.
5. Have students create a reference chart that includes measurement conversions relevant to the project.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA custom reference chart showing various measurement conversions and their applications to ship restoration.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 5.MD.A.1, as students learn to convert among different-sized standard measurement units.
Activity 2

Restoration Blueprint Designers

In this activity, students become blueprint designers, using their knowledge of measurements to create a scale blueprint of the pirate ship's components, such as the mast, hull, and deck.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the concept of scale and its importance in creating blueprints.
2. Assign different parts of the ship (e.g., mast, hull) to small groups for blueprint creation.
3. Guide students to measure and convert scale dimensions accurately on graph paper.
4. Ensure groups finalize their scale dimensions and share them with the class for feedback.
5. Conduct a peer review session for evaluating the blueprint designs.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete set of scale blueprints for the ship, demonstrating understanding of measurement and unit conversion.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets 5.MD.A.1 by applying measurement conversion to real-world problem-solving, enhancing understanding of scale and precision.
Activity 3

Mast Model Makers

Here, students focus on creating a 3D model of the pirate ship's mast. They will apply their conversion and scale knowledge to build an accurate replica using materials such as cardboard or wood.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Provide necessary materials and safety rules for creating the 3D model.
2. Have students convert the actual measurements of the mast to a manageable scale for model making.
3. Guide students to cut and assemble the materials according to their blueprints.
4. Have students present their models, explaining the measurement choices and conversions used.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 3D model of the pirate ship's mast, showcasing detailed measurement and accurate scaling from blueprint to model.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFulfills 5.MD.A.1 by engaging students in hands-on conversion tasks and applying knowledge to a tangible creation.
Activity 4

Historical Accuracy Advocates

In this final activity, students reflect on the importance of precision in restoration. They research historical masts to compare with their models and write a persuasive piece on the role of measurements in preserving history.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research historical pirate ships and their masts to gather detailed information on dimensions and materials used.
2. Compare and contrast the researched data with the students' mast models.
3. Draft a persuasive paper on why accurate measurement and restoration techniques are vital in maintaining historical authenticity.
4. Revise and edit the paper with peer feedback, focusing on clarity and persuasiveness.
5. Share the papers with the class and discuss the insights gained about historical accuracy in restoration projects.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched persuasive paper on the significance of measurement precision in historical restorations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 5.MD.A.1 by emphasizing real-world applications of unit conversion and advocating for historically accurate restorations.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Pirate Ship Restoration Project Rubric

Category 1

Measurement Application

This category assesses the student's understanding and application of measurement concepts.
Criterion 1

Understanding of Measurement

Demonstrates understanding of different measurement units and their application in ship restoration.

Exemplary
4 Points

Shows exceptional understanding of various measurement units and their specific applications to different aspects of ship restoration, demonstrating advanced knowledge.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a solid understanding of measurement units and applies them correctly to ship restoration tasks, showing proficiency.

Developing
2 Points

Shows a basic understanding of measurement units but may have some difficulty applying them consistently to ship restoration contexts.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to understand and apply measurement units in the context of ship restoration, requiring significant support.

Criterion 2

Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy and precision in measurement conversions and calculations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Consistently performs accurate and precise measurement conversions and calculations, demonstrating mastery of the skill.

Proficient
3 Points

Performs accurate measurement conversions and calculations with occasional minor errors, demonstrating proficiency.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some accuracy in measurement conversions and calculations but makes frequent errors that impact the overall results.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with accurate measurement conversions and calculations, making significant errors that hinder project completion.

Category 2

Project Execution

This category evaluates the quality and completeness of the student's project deliverables.
Criterion 1

Product Quality

Quality and completeness of the final products (reference chart, blueprints, 3D model, persuasive paper).

Exemplary
4 Points

Produces outstanding quality final products that exceed expectations, demonstrating exceptional creativity and attention to detail.

Proficient
3 Points

Produces high-quality final products that meet all requirements, demonstrating strong effort and attention to detail.

Developing
2 Points

Produces final products that meet most requirements but may lack some detail or refinement, showing developing skills.

Beginning
1 Points

Produces incomplete or low-quality final products that do not meet the requirements, requiring significant improvement.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of measurement systems and their applications in historical restorations evolved throughout the project?

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Question 2

What challenges did you face when converting between different units of measurement, and how did you overcome them?

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Question 3

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about applying measurement concepts to real-world projects after participating in this project?

Scale
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Question 4

Which entry event (Mystery of the Missing Mast or The Captain's Challenge) did you find more engaging and beneficial for understanding the project's objectives?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Mystery of the Missing Mast
The Captain's Challenge
Question 5

Reflect on the peer review sessions during the Restoration Blueprint Designers activity. How did the feedback you received influence your final blueprint?

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Question 6

How important do you think precision in measurement is for historical restorations, and why?

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