Geometry + math projects + end of the year is the perfect trifecta! This post shares my favorite end of the year math project that has students applying what they know about geometric elements to design an extreme playground makeover! A link to grab the printable and digital directions is also included.
About the Math Project: Extreme Playground Makeover Design
Modeled after the T.V. show the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the students are in charge of designing an extreme playground design.
The catch? They have to use geometric shapes and elements in their design incorporated into their playground features.
We started this activity by discussing the show and building background for the students who had not heard of it. We discussed the amazing features that were added to the rooms and how it was not just an ordinary redesign, but instead it was an extreme one.
Then, I shared the challenge: They would be designing a plan for an Extreme Playground Makeover. The students were instantly excited, engaged and ready to work. They didn’t even mind when I told them about the challenge of adding the geometric elements. They viewed it as an added challenge and were eager to incorporate as many elements as they could in unique ways.
I passed out the paper with directions and the list of geometry terms that must be included and labeled in their drawings. We went through each term and drew examples beside the terms for reference. Unfortunately, some students really needed the reminders! Then off they went to design their playgrounds.
Note: The free download includes a reference guide that you can use instead of having the students draw examples. Drawing examples is definitely more powerful for retention but also takes more time.
When they began the math project, they first sketched their designs on planning papers. When they finished their designs and their labels, they had it approved by me. Then they went to work drawing and coloring their final design drafts on poster boards.
Note: This was a smooth process for most students and they only needed to make a few changes or additions before working on their final designs. Some I had to pull in a small group to help brainstorm ideas to incorporate some of the elements.
Check out some of these examples!
Can I get one of these for recess duty?!
Download Directions (Printable and Digital Format) Here!
If you love this end of year math project activity and want to try it out with your students, click the animated image below and then enter your email address in the pop-up. You’ll be able to download the resource immediately and it will also be sent to your inbox.
The directions are provided in printable format and also a link to download a digital set of directions. Unless the students can draw on their device, they will still need to complete the activity the old-fashioned way, but they can also submit a completed picture.
These look fabulous!!!
Brandee @ Creating Lifelong Learners
The kids had a great time with them! Geometry is a fun subject to teach anyway and this just made it much more fun!
Jennifer
LOVE this! Thanks for sharing… this has definitely been added to my TPT wishlist 🙂
-Courtney
2ndgradesnapshots.blogspot.com
Thanks for the idea! I think my kids will love this as our end-of-year Math activity.