Applied Design Project: Make a Nature Space

Hello Everyone,

Our time outdoors during this unit has resulted in great discussions about how walking is great for your physical and mental health and how being in nature makes us feel relaxed and calm. I have always thought the space to the side of our portable could be better utilized. What do you think?

Let’s give some ideas to the school about what it could look like! Invent a natural space you would enjoy spending time in during your breaks. This space is rectangular and approximately 81 feet long and 43 feet wide, just to the west of our portable. What natural elements would you include? Get creative! Remember, this is not a playground, so no playground equipment. Think trees, rocks, natural space, garden, etc.

Here are the steps for the project with a partner!

  1. Make an individual brainstorm plan — done
  2. Measure the actual space — done, thank you Mia and Joone
  3. Compare ideas with multiple classmates to further develop your ideas — done
  4. Get a partner, and on grid paper, begin to plan out a space together. Each block is equal to 2 feet.
  5. Start thinking with your partner about what the scale will be for the box I will provide for your project model. Set the scale and tell Ms. D.
  6. Brainstorm what materials you may need. I have lots of things including pieces of wood, sand, clay, paint, and more, but maybe you want something specific from outdoors or from home?
  7. Create the model! Go crazy!
  8. Write an explanation and reflection about your model on your e-port. What went well in your design process? What would you change for next time? How did it go working with a partner? Do you think this model represents a natural space someone could actually build? Is it doable?

Here are the criteria, which will be put into a rubric for your thinking!

  • Show an appropriate sense of scale when creating elements in your natural space. (applied math)
  • Include only natural elements and have a variety of different types of things to make the space interesting.
  • Show thinking, through the model and your reflection, about creating a realistic space that will allow all ages to relax and enjoy the natural elements you included.
  • Use a variety of materials to represent your natural elements.
  • Show evidence in your reflection of your design process, including ways you would improve the process for next time, how you worked with materials, and how you worked with your partner.
  • Create a model that shows time and effort. (neatly done, colour, interesting to look at)

As a way to extend your thinking, try to include math in the way you design your elements! Can angles, perfect circles, and/or Fibonacci play a role in your design? How will your elements work with the surrounding natural space rather than against it?

Reflection for this project is due by June 12th, and most of the model work needs to be done by June 17th end of day. But it is okay if you continue to put final touches on the model through June 25th if needed.