This curriculum unit was developed from the Learning Through Performance in Middle School Math and Science Project. The goal of the project was to develop, pilot, and research the efficacy of a 6th grade math course and science course that are designed to align with 6th grade Common Core Mathematics Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. The curriculum was designed to exemplify the use of project-based learning as the primary instructional approach, and instructionally embedded performance-based assessments as the primary assessment strategy. The rationale for building project-based learning units was to support greater student engagement and deeper learning of rigorous content through authentic, real-world applications of math and science. The rationale for building performance-based assessments into each unit of study was to support more reliable and valid measurement of individual students’ learning and performance on relevant math and science concepts and practices.
All of the curriculum materials were designed to have teachers participate in professional development to help support them in the design approach as well as implementing the materials in their classroom. If you would like further information about professional development services, please contact us.
Unit Overview
Learning Task 1: Get Started on the Culminating Project
In Learning Task 1, students learn about the requirements of the Culminating Project and build background knowledge. Students research types of playground systems, features, and activities. They select components to include in their ideal playground by researching types of playground systems, features, and activities. Students practice converting feet to yards and square feet to square yards and review how to calculate the area of a rectangle.
Learning Task 2: Area of Shapes
Students learn how to calculate the area of triangles, trapezoids, parallelograms, and composite shapes. They apply that knowledge in order to calculate the area of their playground.
Learning Task 3: Coordinate Plane
Students learn about plotting points on a four-quadrant coordinate plane. They use that knowledge to place systems, features, and activities within their playground, identifying coordinates for each item within the playground. They convert measurements from feet to yards.
Learning Task 4: Volume and Surface Area
Students focus on the volume of rectangular solids. They use their knowledge to analyze safety requirements as they determine the volume of a ground cover for their playground. Students consider how to calculate the depth given the compression of materials. They convert fall heights from inches to feet.
Culminating Project: Playgrounds
Teams design a playground that is fun, safe, and promotes fitness. Students justify that their selected equipment and activities fit within their playground, and that the ground cover meets the safety requirements for a new playground.
Individual Performance Task
Students individually complete a performance task to display evidence of student mastery of the skills related to this unit.
