Form follows function.
Math and Science Applications
(Upper Elementary or Middle School Grade Level)
OBJECTIVES:
1. The students will demonstrate sound collaborative group working practices, civility, goal setting and accomplishment.
2. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the architectural concept of "Form follows function."
ACTIVITY: The students will work in cooperative groups to decide on a purpose and function of their own designed sailing vessel. The students will design a boat based on its function (ie, racing, cruising, research).
1. Students choose a "leader" to keep students on task "time-keeper" to monitor time on task "recorder" to list ideas, rank, tally votes two "architects" to draw designs.
2. Students "brainstorm" ideas for the purpose of their vessel.
3. Students rank their ideas and vote on most favorite function.
4. Students discuss a form of the vessel (hull shape, keel shape/centerboard/daggerboard, mast type, auxiliary features, power, water/fuel tanks, etc.) following function. Sketching on-going.
5. "Architects" then draw the final design on a piece of paper.
MATERIALS: collaborative work group assessment form, paper, pencils, rulers, protractor, compass, drawing forms (optional).
ASSESSMENT: Informal observation of students' time on task. Formal assessment of drawing based on function of vessel. Students complete collaborative work group assessment form.
HOMEWORK: The student will write a 3 paragraph, 7 sentence minimum/paragraph, summary of "Today, I learned in science class..."
Lesson plan by Phil Frandino