Help Design a Magical Dorm!! (Part 2)

Please note: Student MUST have taken the first class in this series in order to experience success and understand some of the ideas we’ve already covered. A link to that class can be found here: https://outschool.com/classes/help-design-a-hogwarts-dorm-for-harry-potter-BBn8D3hL?usid=QUcVIoxI&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link


This one-time course will give students the chance to learn and practice area and perimeter while designing a Hogwarts space- could be a classroom, another dorm, an elaborate prefects restroom, a library, or anything!  By the end of class, MOST STUDENTS will not be finished with their designs. This is appropriate as everyone works at their own pace and learning should not be rushed. However, they will have the knowledge to continue designing on their own outside of class!!

 This course, like all of my math classes, will use a research-based method for instruction in math called the 5E lesson. The 5Es stand for: engage, explore, explain, extend, and evaluate; and the basic premise is that kids learn best when they learn in a hands-on way and I agree! Below is an overview of how each E of the 5E will work in this math lesson: 

Engage: Students and I will review the steps of design that we learned in the first class. Then, students and I will engage in the first step of design: inspiration. I will compile a variety of clips and ask them to share what inspires them for their own work as a designer. To do this, students will learn what a mind map is and we will create mind maps of what we are considering in our designs. 

Explore: Next, we will look at a teacher-designed example of a private library for students at Hogwarts on graph paper. Students will quickly review the course content from the first designing course and will create their own outlines on their graph paper. Students will be required to include a composite figure in their design, so that they can practice this strategy!! 

Explain: Using the basic outline of other spaces I created, students will follow along as I determine “designer math” for my examples, which will include the area and perimeter of a composite figure both with and without a triangle. This will be taught first and then applied to an image. They will be asked to follow along with the composite space math in their own space while I work. but may not have time to complete the "design math" for every space they make on their designs. 

Extend: Finally, students will design their own spaces (interior design) using birds eye view furniture! In this course, I will encourage them to come up with their own images and will not provide examples. The way this part of the course works will depend on student interest and ability. Students will share their design outlines and we will discuss the concept of furniture proportion by seeing good and bad examples. Depending on the students, some students will be placed in break out rooms at this point based-on their preferred learning style and ability level and if time allows, so that they can learn from their peers. Some groups will work on more complex birds eye view drawings, while other will work with me experimenting around the house. *Please note, I will 100% tell your children the KNEEL on their chairs and not stand when observing objects from above. 

Evaluate: In closing; I will review the now familiar 4 stages of design: inspiration, basic outlines, dimensions (including area and perimeter), and interior design. This section will allow peers to collaborate and for students to get one-on-one teacher support when they encounter a struggle with their design if they wish. Students will share their designs at multiple at points in the process if they wish, but will not be forced to share!

*Please note that the price is designed to keep a small class size and increase the length of class time, compared to some of my other Harry Potter classes. If you need a discount, I am THRILLED to provide one...just tell me what you think is fair and email me: msmegonoutschool@gmail.com