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LEGO Smart Creativity Contest Entry By Kay Kraatz, OCM BOCES - McEvoy Campus
Materials: LEGO Smart Kit (plates: 1-2x2, 1-2x3, 1-2x4, 1-2x6, 1-4x4; bricks: 1-1x1, 2-2x1, 3-2x2, 1-1x4, 1-1x6, 1-2x3, 2-2x4, 2-2x6, 1-2x8; angle- 1-1x 4); Architect's triangular scale. This activity requires students to find smallest and largest area using: plates: 1-2x2 cream LEGO base plate, 1-2x3 red LEGO base plate, 1-2x4 red LEGO base plate, 1-2x6 black LEGO base plate, 1-4x4 green LEGO base plate. Students will determine the scaled area for the smallest and largest area using the architect's scale 1" = 4'. Students will then calculate the amount of cubic yards of concrete to be ordered using the appropriate formula on the theory sheet, 4" thick slab. This activity requires students to find smallest and largest perimeter using: bricks: 1-1x1 LEGO pink brick, 2-2x1 LEGO green and yellow brick, 3-2x2 LEGO yellow and orange bricks, 1-1x4 LEGO green brick, 1-1x6 LEGO blue brick, 1-2x3 LEGO grey brick, 2-2x4 LEGO orange and yellow bricks, 2-2x6 LEGO green and grey bricks, 1-2x8 LEGO blue brick. Students will determine the scaled perimeter for the smallest and largest perimeter using the architect's scale 1" = 4'. Students will then calculate the number of concrete blocks for one course using the appropriate formula on the theory sheet. Then students will calculate the number of courses and concrete blocks if the foundation wall is to be 8' high. During class activity: The teacher reviews the definition of area and perimeter (the students will use the definitions in the activity to determine which formulas are necessary for the calculations). The teacher will also review how the Architect's Scale is utilized to determine the scaled measurements. Area: First the students configure the plates measure the area covered by the plates. Upon completing the first task, the students then measure a different configuration of the plates and determine the new area. Next the students are to scale the area using 1"=4'. Last the students calculate the amount of concrete to order for the scaled area of the concrete slab. The slab is to be 4" thick. The order is in cubic yards. Perimeter: First the students configure the bricks measure the perimeter of the bricks. Upon completing the first task, the students then measure a different configuration of the bricks and determine the new perimeter. Next the students are to scale the perimeter using 1"=4'. Next the students calculate the number of concrete blocks to order for the first course of the foundation. Last the students calculate the total number of concrete blocks to order if the foundation is to be 8' high. The order is in number of blocks. Length(ft) x Width(ft) x Height(ft) = Total Cubic feet Total Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Total Cubic Yards 1 Block = 16" x 8" The actual measurements are 15 5/8" x 7 5/8" to allow for 3/8" of mortar. Determine the amount of block needed for one course. Find the perimeter of the house. Multiply the perimeter by ¾. (Each block is 16".) Why? divide by size of block (16" ....or 16/12' or 4/3')dividing by 4/3 is the same as x ¾ The answer is the amount of blocks needed for one course of blocks around the perimeter. Determine how many courses are needed. Convert the height to inches (because the block height is in inches). 8 feet times 12 = 96 inches. Take the height in inches and divide by 8 (inches for the height in each row). 96 divided by 8 = 12. The answer is the number of courses of blocks. Therefore, we need 12 courses. Determine the total number of blocks. The number of blocks for one course times the number of courses is 12.
Lesson Learned: Students will learn how to design a concrete slab and a foundation wall given a limited amount of materials for a best fit.