Sixth Graders Use Math and Technology to Design Parks

Sixth grade math classes have been engaged in an exciting, real-world application of geometry concepts, creating original park designs to scale.

The Plan-a-Park Project, the culmination of an in-depth study of geometry, is built around the premise that a fictional Dr. Doolittle, a philanthropist, has generously donated 12,000 square yards of land to be developed into a city park.

The students, as would-be contractors, responded to the challenge and designed parks to specification, including two gardens and 6,000 square yards of picnic and playground area. The remaining land could be used for more fanciful items such as frisbee golf courses, tennis courts, fountains, pools, basketball courts and much more.

The students researched dimensions of the items included in their designs to simulate realistic measurements in the scale drawings and used computer drawing tools to represent an aerial view of the park. They also recorded the dimensions of each item, as well as the perimeter, circumference, and area in a legend. Estimated cost was added as a selling point.

When finished the student contractors wrote a letter to Dr. Doolittle and City Council to persuade the powers that be to choose their design based on universal appeal, safety, and cost.

The poster-size prints of these magnificent designs are on display in the sixth grade pod thanks to the expertise of Upper School photography teacher Hank Skladanowski.