Objectives:
To show the relatedness of the concepts of ratio and proportion and accuracy in measuring to good architectural designs. Students will develop a better understanding of the concept of designing a structure and executing that design.
Mathematical Skills:
Accuracy and competency in measuring and calculating ratio and proportions.
Goal:
Design and build a storage room.
Material:
Ruler, pencil, glue, scissors, tape, cardboard or heavy paper, wooden tongue depressors.
Key Question:
Ask students to draw a plan of their bedroom. Have each student explain his plan.
Activity:
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1. Students will then be asked to work in groups.
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2. They will design a plan for a storage rooms. Each group member must have an input in the final design.
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3. They must decide on a scale and work out certain proportions. For example, the ratio of the door to the ratio of the windows or door ration to wall ratio.
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4. After designs have been assessed by teacher and modifications, if any, are completed students will be asked to construct the storage room from the material mentioned above.
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5. At the completion of this activity student must demonstrate an understanding of the unique life relation between the architectural and mathematical vocabulary concepts such as congruence, symmetry, similarity and proportion.
Procedure:
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1. Make the models approximately 6” x 8”
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2. Cut seven pieces (4 walls, a roof, a floor)
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3. Put spaces in the walls for windows and doors
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4. Use wooden tongue depressors to support your roof, for corner post and door post
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5. Assemble your building. Finished product should look like this:
(figure available in print form)
When students have completed assignments teacher will examine the projects focusing attention on accuracy in measurements. Teacher will also lead discussion on questions generated by this activity and show students how to avoid errors in future construction of models.
Culminating Activity:
Brief discourse on how to use a ruler, deciding on the scale for a building and how the concepts of proportionality, ratio, and symmetry are key elements to making sense of a structure.
Extended Activity:
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1. Invite architectural lecturer or architects from the business community, contractors, and construction workers to speak to students or give slide presentations on designing and construction; or let them speak on specific aspects of architecture and the importance of having a solid math foundation.
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2. Allow students to visit school’s Mechanical and Technical drawing department to have first hand hands-on experience of the designing process.
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3. Complete the roof replacement problem.
Roof Replacement
The roof of the community recreation center was recently blown off by a strong wind unusual for this area. All structural underpinnings and gable ends were also destroyed. The roof must be replaced and your group has been invited to bid on the project. The rec center measures 30 feet by 100 feet. The basic walls are 16 feet high, the old roof shape or height of the gable ends above 16 feet.
The following information about costs is available for your consideration:
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—New roofing costs $16 per square foot.
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—New Material for gable ends cost $10 per square foot. (A gable end is any end wall above the 30 by 16 rectangle).
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—Annual repair costs related to the costs for a 900 square foot building.
If this task is intended for an individual:
Prepare a written bid for the rec center board of directors. Propose the new roof design including sketches and dimensions. Show the work you did in developing your bid as well as your final bid proposal. Write an argument to convince the board of directors to adopt your plan as opposed to others.
If this task is intended to be used by groups of students:
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Each student will build a model of a roof style and sketch that model from several different perspectives.
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Each group will select one model and investigate possible cost of construction. Prepare a written bid for the rec center board of directors. Propose the new roof design including sketches and dimensions. Show the work you did in developing your bid as well as your final bid proposal. Write an argument to convince the board of directors to adopt your plan as opposed to others.
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Each student will write a letter to a member of the board of directors intended to convince that person to select the plan submitted by the individual’s group.