Geometry through Construction

Course Description

Unlock the world of Construction Geometry through an exploration of real number properties, algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities. The is a project-based course and requires hands-on projects for submissions. This comprehensive course aligns closely with the Idaho State Standards, ensuring a structured and enriching learning experience. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, architect, or simply intrigued by the mathematics behind structures, this course is designed to equip you with essential skills for problem-solving in construction-related fields.

Measurement and Conversion Skills & Blueprint Reading

What do I need to learn about Measurement and Conversion Skills & Blueprint Reading? I can learn how to accurately read construction blueprints, understand scales, symbols, and dimensions, and apply measurement and conversion skills to ensure precision in real-world construction tasks.

Grow from: I'll gather everything I've learned about Measurement and Conversion Skills & Blueprint Reading. I will include evidence of my learning activities and a plans for my building project. I will build one of the projects given in Schoology. After receiving feedback, I'll revise and refine my project until I achieve mastery.

Geometry & Spatial Awareness

Learn this: I can learn geometric principles and spatial concepts that are important for construction, including understanding angles, triangles, and three-dimensional shapes, so that I can effectively contribute to accurate construction layout and planning.

Do this: I will create a project that demonstrates what I have learned and includes this information:

Use geometric principles like angles and triangles accurately for construction tasks, ensuring measurements are precise.
Mentally work with and visualize three-dimensional shapes often found in construction, helping me solve spatial problems effectively.
Apply my understanding of geometry and spatial concepts to create construction plans that match architectural designs and guarantee the project's structural stability.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

Some options for a submission might be:

Architectural Blueprint Analysis: Analyze the blueprints to identify and accurately measure angles, triangles, and three-dimensional elements like beams or columns. You should also identify any spatial challenges or potential issues in the design. Present your findings and recommendations in a report or presentation, demonstrating your ability to apply geometric principles to architectural plans.
Structural Model Design and Testing: Create a structural model that accurately represents the geometric and spatial aspects of the original design. You should consider angles, triangles, and three-dimensional shapes in your construction. Afterward, you can test the model's stability and structural integrity. Document your design process, including measurements and calculations, and present your findings, including any necessary modifications to ensure stability.
Construction Layout and Planning Simulation: Create a construction layout and plan for the given project, incorporating accurate measurements, angles, and spatial considerations. You should also demonstrate how your plan aligns with architectural designs and ensures structural stability. Present your construction layout and planning documents, including detailed diagrams and explanations of how you applied geometric and spatial concepts to the project.
Sawhorse Design Competition: Design and construct your own sawhorses, emphasizing compound miter cuts and precise angle measurements.
Sawhorse Assembly Video: Create instructional videos detailing the step-by-step construction of a sawhorse, focusing on accuracy and safety.
Scaled Sketch Transfer: Learn how to scale sketches and transfer them onto wood to build a mini Adirondack chair.
Foundation Showcase: Research different foundation types and materials, creating visual displays and explanations for each type's calculation and construction.
Grading Simulation: Design a hands-on grading simulation where you manipulate materials to understand how grading affects landscaping and road construction.

Estimation, Calculation, and Construction Cost Analysis

Learn this: I can master the skill of reading and interpreting construction blueprints, which includes understanding scale, symbols, and dimensions, and translate design plans from blueprints into practical construction tasks.

Do this: I will create a project that demonstrates what I have learned and includes this information:

Read blueprints correctly, understanding scale, symbols, and dimensions to visualize the project accurately.
Use blueprints to guide construction tasks effectively, identifying critical elements like measurements, materials, and structural features.
Spot and address blueprint inconsistencies to avoid costly mistakes during construction, ensuring alignment with the original design intent.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

Some example projects might be:

Architectural Blueprint Design: Design a blueprint for a small building or structure, such as a house or gazebo. Apply your understanding of algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities to determine dimensions, angles, and proportions in the design. This project will showcase your ability to translate mathematical concepts into practical construction plans.
Agricultural Irrigation System Design: Design and implement an irrigation system for the field based on the provided blueprints. Consider factors like water source location, pipe layout, and valve placement, ensuring efficient water distribution. Present your irrigation system design, explaining how you used the blueprints to guide your construction process.
Mechanical Assembly Challenge: Assemble the mechanical components according to the blueprints. This project tests your ability to interpret detailed technical drawings and follow assembly instructions precisely. Document your assembly process, highlighting your adherence to the blueprint specifications and any challenges encountered.
Gardening Landscape Design: Act as a landscape designer and use the blueprints to create a detailed landscape plan. Incorporate elements like plant placement, pathways, and hardscape features, ensuring the design aligns with the blueprints. Present your landscape design, explaining how you applied blueprint reading skills to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.
Virtual Reality (VR) Experience: For a more technologically advanced project, design a virtual reality experience that showcases a construction site. Create accurate representations of structures, using real number properties and geometric concepts to ensure realism and accuracy. (This could possibly be done with Minecraft Education).
Build Small Furniture: Select a design, plan it using geometry concepts, gather materials, measure and cut with precision, assemble with attention to angles and alignment, and finish the piece. Document the process and reflect on how geometry was applied in your presentation.

Construction Mastery Project

A culminating project for Construction Geometry should be a comprehensive construction project that incorporates all the skills and knowledge you have gained throughout the course. This project should challenge you to plan, execute, and present a construction task from start to finish. Here's a detailed description of such a project:

Project Description: You will work individually or in small groups to plan and execute a construction project of your choice, demonstrating your proficiency in construction math concepts, including measurement, blueprint reading, geometric principles, and spatial awareness. The project should encompass the following phases:

1. Project Proposal and Planning (1 week):

Choose a construction project (e.g., building a shed, installing a fence, constructing a small bridge).
They develop a detailed project proposal, including a budget, timeline, and a description of the project's scope and goals.
Create blueprints or detailed plans for your chosen project, ensuring accurate measurements and design considerations.

2. Construction Execution (4-6 weeks, depending on complexity):

Execute your construction projects following your plans and blueprints.
They apply measurement and conversion skills to ensure precise construction tasks.
You may need to solve real-time challenges and make adjustments based on your blueprint reading and spatial awareness.

3. Documentation and Reporting (1 week):

Maintain a detailed construction journal throughout the project, documenting your progress, challenges, and decisions made.
They create a comprehensive report that includes a summary of the project, budget tracking, and an explanation of how they applied construction math concepts during construction.
Provide photo documentation of key construction phases.

4. Project Presentation (1 day):

Present your construction project.
Presentations should cover project planning, execution, challenges faced, solutions applied, and how construction math principles were integrated into the project.
Showcase your blueprints, photographs, and all relevant calculations.

Assessment Criteria: You will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

The quality and feasibility of the project proposal, including budget and timeline accuracy.
The quality of the constructed project, including accuracy in measurements and adherence to blueprints.
The thoroughness and organization of the construction journal and the completeness of the project report.
The clarity, professionalism, and effectiveness of the project presentation, including the ability to explain how construction math concepts were applied.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

Some example projects might be:

Shed Construction Project: Plan and construct a small shed from start to finish. They design the shed, create blueprints with precise measurements, estimate materials and costs, and build the structure. The project should emphasize geometric principles in shed design, precise measurement for construction, and spatial awareness for placement.
Fence Installation and Landscaping Project: Select an area for a fence installation and landscaping project. They plan the fence layout, create detailed blueprints, estimate materials and costs, and execute the installation. The project should incorporate geometric principles for fence design, precise measurement for alignment, and spatial awareness for landscaping.
Bridge Construction Challenge: Undertake the construction of a small bridge. They design the bridge, create structural blueprints, estimate materials and costs, and build the bridge. The project emphasizes geometric principles for structural design, precise measurement for construction, and spatial awareness for stability.
Outdoor Pavilion Design and Build: Design and construct an outdoor pavilion. They create architectural blueprints, estimate materials and costs, and build the pavilion. The project should incorporate geometric principles for pavilion design, precise measurement for construction, and spatial awareness for layout.
Playground Equipment Installation: Plan and install playground equipment in a designated area. They design the layout, create blueprints, estimate materials and costs, and assemble the equipment. The project highlights geometric principles for layout design, precise measurement for installation, and spatial awareness for safety.

Page updated

Report abuse