Integrated II Math students recently completed a project that is a little atypical for a math class. These students were commissioned to design and build a functioning kite. The kites couldn't be just any old kite though: they had to be homemade with items found around the house and they had to contain two different quadrilaterals.
In addition to the construction and flying of their kites, there were other elements to the project. Each group had to provide a scale drawing of their kite, identify the quadrilaterals in their kite, create a list of materials they used and why they used them, and show research of the historical symbolism and use of kites. Kites were also judged in the categories of "Best Flyer", "Most Beautiful", and "Most Creative Design" for extra credit.
When I had a chance to watch the kite flying, it was evident that creating a successful kite is harder than it looks! All of the kites looked like they would be able to fly well, but many of them had trouble getting into the air right away. After a bit of struggling, experimentation with flight methods, and repairs from flights gone askew, most groups were able to get their kites into the air.
This is the second year that math classes have participated in this project at Park Center. The project is a part of the new IB (International Baccalaureate) Program. The goal of projects like this is to combine multiple aspects of learning into each class. For example, this project helps students hone their mathematics, researching, and writing skills. This year marks the first official year that the IB Program has been a part of Park Center. In the future, it can be expected that more projects such as this will spring up among all types of classes to help integrate learning methods between classes.
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Flying Kites |
-Brad Erickson (PCSH Webteam)