4 Cubes Houses Project

This term you might be aware the children have been working on a major project around designing and building cube houses. The project has been a fabulous focus linked to both the mathematics curriculum and our technology inquiry unit where we have looked at the process of design.

The children were originally asked to build houses made from 4 cubes. These cubes needed to link face to face. They were then asked to transfer their designs into a 2D plan which they learnt to draw onto isometric paper (3D drawing).

We then focused on the skill of multiplication to cost the price of each house students had designed. The houses were priced at budget, eco and luxury costing, which supported your child with their skills development using multiplication.

We are now moving into the mathematical concepts of scale and ratio. Students are learning the meaning of these concepts, as well as learning how to apply them practically. Students will soon be asked to draw a scaled 2D plan of the interior of one of their houses, similar to that on a Real Estate pamphlet.

Mathematical learning outcomes addressed through this project

• creating models in three dimensions
• representing 3D in 2D (isometric & plan/elevation views)
• scale diagrams
• operations with money
• basic number skills
• Ratio

Students are now also joining their designs together to create a 3D community model. Students will be designing elements of their community on a program called Google SketchUp and then transferring this design into a 3D representation. Students are being asked to consider scale when designing and building their element of the community to ensure that it fits with other groups buildings proportionally.

These community models are being planned and built as home group teams. Once these models have been planned, we are hoping that any parent with a background in architecture, building, construction, real estate or design could volunteer to be on the judging panel to determine which group will win the contract for the architectural design of the community estate. 

If you are able to be involved in this judging panel, please contact me with your availability and we will find a common time early next term to host this event.

Emma

holmes-smith.emma.g@edumail.vic.gov.au