Tiny House Design: Multi-Step Equations Challenge
Created byMadison Hawthorne
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Tiny House Design: Multi-Step Equations Challenge

Grade 8Math4 days
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a cost-effective and functional tiny house using multi-step equations and scale models to meet specific needs and environmental considerations?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do you solve multi-step equations?
  • How do you calculate area, perimeter, and volume?
  • How do you create a scale model?
  • What are the cost factors in building a tiny house?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to solve multi-step equations to determine dimensions and costs.
  • Students will apply geometric formulas to calculate area, perimeter, and volume for their tiny house designs.
  • Students will create accurate scale models of their tiny house designs.
  • Students will analyze and manage cost factors within a set budget.
  • Students will design a tiny house that meets specific needs and environmental considerations.

Common Core Standards

8.EE.C.7b
Primary
Solve multi-step equations in one variable.Reason: Directly addresses the core skill of solving multi-step equations, essential for calculating dimensions and costs in the tiny house project.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Housing Crisis Challenge

A local news story highlights a family struggling with housing affordability. The story ends with a challenge: Can students design a tiny house that solves the family's needs within a strict budget, using their math skills? This event connects math to a real-world social issue, sparking empathy and a desire to find practical solutions.
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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

Equation解锁 (Equation Unlock)

Students will practice solving multi-step equations with a focus on isolating variables. They will work through a series of problems that gradually increase in complexity.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review the order of operations and inverse operations.
2. Work through example problems as a class, showing each step.
3. Complete practice problems individually, showing all work.
4. Check answers and discuss any errors as a class.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA worksheet with completed multi-step equation problems, demonstrating clear steps for solving each equation.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 8.EE.C.7b by focusing on the foundational skill of solving multi-step equations, which is crucial for determining the dimensions of the tiny house components.
Activity 2

Measure Masters

Students will apply their equation-solving skills to calculate the area, perimeter, and volume of various geometric shapes. This activity will include real-world examples to illustrate the practical application of these calculations.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review formulas for area, perimeter, and volume of basic shapes.
2. Solve example problems involving these formulas, using multi-step equations where necessary.
3. Complete practice problems involving real-world scenarios, such as calculating the area of a room or the volume of a container.
4. Check answers and discuss the application of these calculations in design.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of solved problems demonstrating the calculation of area, perimeter, and volume for various shapes, along with explanations of the formulas used.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsBuilds on 8.EE.C.7b by applying the skill of solving multi-step equations to calculate the area, perimeter, and volume of different shapes, preparing them for the design phase.
Activity 3

Scaling Up (or Down!)

Students will learn about scale models and how to calculate dimensions using scale factors. They will practice converting between real-world measurements and scale model measurements.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the concept of scale models and scale factors.
2. Demonstrate how to convert between real-world measurements and scale model measurements using proportions and multi-step equations.
3. Provide practice problems involving different scale factors and real-world dimensions.
4. Check calculations and discuss the importance of accuracy in scale modeling.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of calculations converting real-world dimensions to scale model dimensions, along with a written explanation of the scale factor used.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsReinforces 8.EE.C.7b and connects it to design by having students calculate the dimensions of tiny house components based on scale factors, ensuring they can apply their skills to the project.
Activity 4

Budget Boss

Students will research the cost of different building materials and calculate the total cost of their tiny house design. This activity will include budget constraints and require students to make informed decisions about material choices.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the cost of various building materials (e.g., lumber, roofing, windows).
2. Use the dimensions of their tiny house design to calculate the quantity of each material needed.
3. Calculate the total cost of each material and the overall project cost.
4. Compare their cost estimate to the budget and make adjustments as necessary to stay within budget.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed cost estimate for their tiny house design, including a list of materials, their individual costs, and the total project cost, all within a specified budget.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApplies 8.EE.C.7b in a practical context by having students calculate the cost of materials for their tiny house, incorporating budget constraints and problem-solving skills.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Equation Unlock Rubric

Category 1

Multi-Step Equation Proficiency

Focuses on the student's ability to accurately solve multi-step equations and clearly demonstrate their problem-solving process.
Criterion 1

Equation Solving Accuracy

Accuracy of solutions and demonstration of steps in solving multi-step equations.

Exemplary
4 Points

The worksheet shows correct solutions with clearly explained steps, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of solving multi-step equations. The student innovatively solves complex equations and provides insightful justifications for each step.

Proficient
3 Points

The worksheet shows correct solutions with clearly explained steps, demonstrating a thorough understanding of solving multi-step equations. The student effectively solves equations and justifies each step.

Developing
2 Points

The worksheet shows some correct solutions, but the steps are not always clear or complete, indicating an emerging understanding of solving multi-step equations. The student attempts to solve equations and provides some justification for the steps.

Beginning
1 Points

The worksheet shows incorrect solutions and lacks clear steps, indicating a beginning understanding of solving multi-step equations. The student struggles to solve equations and provide justification for the steps.

Reflection Prompts

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

What was the most challenging part of designing your tiny house, and how did you use your knowledge of multi-step equations to overcome it?

Text
Required
Question 2

To what extent do you feel confident in your ability to apply multi-step equations to solve real-world problems after completing this project?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which aspect of the tiny house design (dimensions, cost, or scale model) did you find most interesting, and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Dimensions
Cost
Scale Model