Making a Nature Space – ADST/Math Project

May 12, 2021 Ms. D

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.

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. 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.

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?

Here are the steps for the project with a partner!

Make an individual brainstorm plan
Measure the actual space. We will be basing it off of the space beyond the swings in the upper intermediate playground area.
Compare ideas with multiple classmates to further develop your ideas
Get a partner, and on grid paper, begin to plan out a space together. Each block is equal to 2 feet.
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.
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?
Create the model! Go crazy!
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.
Include math patterns we discussed during this unit in your design, as well as angles, shapes, equidistant measurement, balanced thinking,
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)
Provide a written explanation that further details your thinking and design process.

The written explanation for your project is due by June 14th. The model is due at the latest by June 25th.

Websites As Food For Thought:

Oberlander Landscapes in Vancouver

Nine Buildings Inspired by Nature – BBC

Mathematics Garden Design

Pictures of Math in Garden of Versailles

Parc Guell Math – Gaudi

Geometry of Gaudi

The Mathematics of Play, Video

Mathematical Art of MC Escher

MC Escher Math Gallery

Nature and Architecture