Date: May 25, 1998

Grade Level(s): 2, 3, 4, 5

Subject(s):

• Mathematics/Geometry

Description: In this activity, students will identify shapes that architects use to build houses. Students will then explore these shapes by building a model of their "dream" home.

Objectives: The students will:
1. identify how architects use shapes.
2. work cooperatively to create and execute a plan to build a model of a home.
3. create a cone, cube, rectangular prism, and cylinder.
4. use at least three, 3-dimensional shapes in their dream home.

Materials:

• patterns for 3-dimensional shapes (see Internet sites below)
• construction paper
• tag board
• scissors
• glue

Procedure:

Introduction:
1. "How many of you know what an architect does?
2. "What is the difference between architecture and an architect?"
3. "What shapes do architects use to build things?
4. "Are those 3-dimensional or 2-dimensional?"
5. "Today, each of you are going to join a team of other architects. Together, you will design a model of your dream home."

Lesson Focus:
1. Before you begin this lesson, facilitate an activity that creates cooperative groups of 2-4. One piece of paper will be given to each cooperative group. Students will be instructed that they will have only two minutes to write down as many geometric shapes as they can. Each student will write the name of only one geometric shape and then pass the paper to the next student. The game ends when the time expires.
2. Demonstrate how to make cones, rectangular prisms, cylinders, and cubes from the photocopied patterns. Have students practice making their own.
3. Discuss with the class that they will be acting as architects and that it is very important for architects to have a plan.
4. Give students enough time to come up with a plan for their model dream homes. They must incorporate at least three, 3-dimensional shapes.
5. Encourage the class to do their personal best when "erecting" their structure. Creativity is a positive thing. If students decide to make something else instead of what you asked, be flexible!
6. Mount their creations on tag board, and display them for all to enjoy.

Assessment: Examples of some questions that could be asked:
1. "What did you learn from this activity? "
2. "What did you like best about it? "
3. "Who can tell me what subject we are studying?"
4. " What do architects do? "
5. " What are three-dimensional shapes?"

Useful Internet Resources:
* Polyhedra Nets - Paper
http://mathforum.org/alejandre/workshops/net.html