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Created byBreanna young
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Polygon Playground: A Geometric Design Challenge

Grade 3ScienceArtMath1 days
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a polygon playground that is fun, safe, and accessible for all children while using our knowledge of polygon attributes and spatial reasoning?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can we use polygons to create a fun and safe playground?
  • How do the attributes of different polygons affect the design and function of playground equipment?
  • How can we use spatial reasoning to plan and arrange the playground layout effectively?
  • What makes a playground design accessible and inclusive for all children?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of polygon attributes (sides, angles, symmetry) to design playground equipment.
  • Use spatial reasoning to create a functional and safe playground layout.
  • Design an inclusive playground that meets the needs of all children.
  • Collaborate with peers to plan, design, and present a polygon playground project.

Teacher Provided

3.GSR.6
Primary
Identify the attributes of polygons, including parallel segments, perpendicular segments, right angles, and symmetry.Reason: Directly assesses understanding and application of polygon attributes in the playground design.
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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

Polygon Attribute Explorer

Students will explore and identify the attributes of various polygons, including parallel segments, perpendicular segments, right angles, and symmetry. They will create a visual guide showcasing these attributes for reference in the playground design.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research and define different types of polygons (e.g., triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon).
2. Identify and label the attributes of each polygon (parallel segments, perpendicular segments, right angles, symmetry).
3. Create a visual guide (poster, digital presentation) showcasing each polygon and its attributes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual guide to polygon attributes with clear labels and definitions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligns with 3.GSR.6 by focusing on identifying attributes of polygons.
Activity 2

Playground Equipment Blueprint

Students will design individual pieces of playground equipment using specific polygons. They will create a blueprint detailing the polygons used and how their attributes contribute to the equipment's function and safety.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm different types of playground equipment (e.g., slides, swings, climbing structures).
2. Choose a piece of equipment and design it using various polygons.
3. Create a blueprint of the equipment, labeling the polygons used and explaining how their attributes (e.g., right angles for stability, symmetry for balance) ensure functionality and safety.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA blueprint of a playground equipment design, showing the polygons used and explaining how their attributes ensure functionality and safety. This should include written descriptions, a drawing, and labels.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 3.GSR.6 by applying knowledge of polygon attributes to design functional equipment.
Activity 3

Spatial Reasoning Layout Planner

Students will plan the layout of the polygon playground, considering spatial reasoning to ensure a safe, accessible, and fun environment. They will use a grid or digital tool to map out the placement of equipment, pathways, and open spaces.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Discuss spatial reasoning concepts (e.g., proximity, orientation, accessibility).
2. Use a grid or digital tool to create a playground layout, placing equipment designed in the previous activity.
3. Ensure the layout includes safe pathways, open spaces, and considers accessibility for all children (e.g. ramps).
4. Write a justification for the layout choices, explaining how spatial reasoning was used to create a functional and safe environment.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed playground layout plan with justification, demonstrating spatial reasoning and consideration for safety and accessibility.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsExtends 3.GSR.6 by requiring students to apply their understanding of polygon attributes within a spatial context to create the playground layout, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Activity 4

Accessibility and Inclusivity Review

Students will review their playground design to ensure it meets the needs of all children, considering accessibility and inclusivity. They will identify potential barriers and propose solutions using their knowledge of polygon attributes and spatial reasoning.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research accessibility guidelines for playgrounds (e.g., ramp slopes, surfacing materials).
2. Review the playground design, identifying potential barriers for children with disabilities.
3. Propose solutions to improve accessibility, incorporating knowledge of polygon attributes (e.g., using specific angles for ramps) and spatial reasoning.
4. Document the review process and proposed solutions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn accessibility and inclusivity review report, detailing potential barriers and proposed solutions for the playground design.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsReinforces 3.GSR.6 by emphasizing practical application of polygon attributes to meet diverse needs, promoting real-world problem-solving skills.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Polygon Playground Design Rubric

Category 1

Polygon Attribute Knowledge

Demonstrates understanding of polygon attributes (sides, angles, symmetry) and their application in playground design.
Criterion 1

Accuracy of Polygon Identification

Correctly identifies and defines various polygons and their attributes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Accurately identifies and defines a wide range of polygons, demonstrating a deep understanding of their attributes (sides, angles, symmetry, parallel/perpendicular segments). Provides clear and precise examples.

Proficient
3 Points

Identifies and defines most polygons correctly, demonstrating a solid understanding of their key attributes. Provides accurate examples.

Developing
2 Points

Identifies and defines some polygons correctly but shows gaps in understanding of their attributes. Examples may be unclear or contain minor inaccuracies.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to identify and define polygons and their attributes. Demonstrates limited understanding and provides inaccurate or missing examples.

Criterion 2

Application of Attributes in Design

Effectively applies knowledge of polygon attributes to design functional and safe playground equipment.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates innovative application of polygon attributes in the design, creating unique and highly functional equipment. Clearly explains how specific attributes contribute to safety and playability.

Proficient
3 Points

Applies polygon attributes effectively to design functional and safe equipment. Explains how attributes contribute to safety and playability.

Developing
2 Points

Applies polygon attributes inconsistently, with some designs lacking clear functionality or safety considerations. Explanations may be superficial or missing.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to apply polygon attributes in the design, resulting in non-functional or unsafe equipment. Lacks clear explanations.

Category 2

Spatial Reasoning and Layout

Demonstrates effective use of spatial reasoning to create a safe, accessible, and engaging playground layout.
Criterion 1

Functionality and Safety

Creates a playground layout that is functional, safe, and adheres to spatial reasoning principles.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creates an exceptionally functional and safe playground layout, demonstrating a deep understanding of spatial reasoning principles. Layout promotes smooth traffic flow, clear sightlines, and well-defined play zones.

Proficient
3 Points

Creates a functional and safe playground layout, demonstrating a solid understanding of spatial reasoning principles. Layout supports safe play and movement.

Developing
2 Points

Creates a layout with some functional and safety considerations but may have areas with poor traffic flow, limited sightlines, or unclear play zones.

Beginning
1 Points

Creates a layout that lacks functionality and safety considerations, demonstrating limited understanding of spatial reasoning principles.

Criterion 2

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Designs the playground to be accessible and inclusive for children with diverse needs.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional consideration for accessibility and inclusivity, incorporating innovative solutions to meet the needs of all children. Provides detailed justification for design choices.

Proficient
3 Points

Designs the playground to be accessible and inclusive, meeting basic accessibility guidelines. Justifies design choices.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some consideration for accessibility and inclusivity but may overlook some important needs or guidelines. Justifications may be incomplete.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates limited consideration for accessibility and inclusivity, resulting in a playground that may not be usable by all children.

Category 3

Presentation and Communication

Effectively communicates design ideas through visual aids, descriptions, and justifications.
Criterion 1

Clarity and Organization

Presents design ideas in a clear, organized, and visually appealing manner.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents design ideas with exceptional clarity, organization, and visual appeal. The presentation is engaging, easy to understand, and uses visual aids effectively.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents design ideas clearly and in an organized manner. The presentation is easy to understand and includes appropriate visual aids.

Developing
2 Points

Presents design ideas with some clarity but may lack organization or visual appeal. The presentation may be difficult to follow in some areas.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents design ideas in a disorganized and unclear manner. The presentation is difficult to understand and lacks visual aids.

Criterion 2

Justification and Reasoning

Provides clear and logical justifications for design choices, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides insightful and well-reasoned justifications for all design choices, demonstrating exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Addresses potential challenges and offers creative solutions.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides clear and logical justifications for design choices, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Developing
2 Points

Provides justifications for some design choices but may lack clarity or logical reasoning. Demonstrates basic critical thinking skills.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides weak or missing justifications for design choices, demonstrating limited critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Reflection Prompts

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

How did your understanding of polygon attributes (sides, angles, symmetry) evolve throughout the Polygon Playground project? Give specific examples of how this understanding influenced your design choices.

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Question 2

Reflect on your Playground Equipment Blueprint. What challenges did you encounter while designing equipment using polygons, and how did you overcome them?

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Question 3

In what ways did spatial reasoning contribute to the overall functionality and safety of your playground layout? Provide examples from your Spatial Reasoning Layout Planner.

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Question 4

How did the Accessibility and Inclusivity Review change your perspective on playground design? What specific modifications did you make to ensure the playground is accessible to all children?

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Question 5

What was the most valuable thing you learned from the Polygon Playground project, and how will you apply this knowledge in future projects or real-world situations?

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Question 6

To what extent do you agree with the following statement: 'I effectively applied my knowledge of polygon attributes to design a functional and safe playground.'

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