Problem: How can you use a scale model to build a shelter based on three criteria?

Age: Elementary & Middle School students

Math Content: Estimation, mathematical reasoning, proportional reasoning, problem solving

Science & Engineering Content: weather, designing a shelter with materials

Lesson:

Opening Activity: Survivor MEA video by FlowMathematics on YouTube

Readiness Questions: 

1. What things would you have to consider when building a shelter?

2. How would you describe the rain in Costa Rica?

3. If you have ever watched Survivor, would you consider going on the show?

4. What is the benefit of building a scale model?

Problem Statement: See Maiorca and Stohlmann (2016)

Product: Write a brief letter to Makr Burnett describing why your shelter is the best.

Source: Maiorca, C., & Stohlmann, M. (2016). Inspiring students in integrated STEM education through modeling activities. In C. R. Hirsch & A. R. McDuffie (Eds.), Mathematical modeling and modeling mathematics (pp. 153-161). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 

Problem adapted from Boston Museum of Science Stranded! Building Math project.