Creativity Meets Calculations – Year 8 Backyard Design Project

November 28, 2024

Maths is everywhere, especially in the spaces we design and build! That is the lesson our Year 8 students embraced in their latest project. Designing and constructing a scale model of a backyard. From trees to pools, pavements to tables, students applied their mathematical skills to create practical, realistic designs.

This project took learning beyond the classroom, giving students a chance to see how maths concepts translate into real-world problem-solving.

Bringing the Curriculum to Life

This hands-on activity ties seamlessly into the Year 8 maths curriculum by incorporating:

Measurement and Ratios: Students calculated the perimeter and area to accurately scale their designs.
Cost Estimation: Budgets were factored into plans, adding a layer of real-life practicality.
Time Management and Collaboration: Teams planned, delegated tasks, and ensured deadlines were met.

Memorable Moments

Projects like this spark enthusiasm and foster growth in ways traditional lessons can’t.

Merryl Sequeira, Mathematics teacher, shared her thoughts on the project. “It was truly inspiring to see the students combine provided materials with their own resources to bring their backyard designs to life. Their creativity and teamwork shone through as each model took shape, evolving beautifully with every step. Watching them display resilience in the face of challenges, such as missing materials, was especially rewarding – it showcased their determination and problem-solving skills.”

Lifelong Lessons

Merryl advised that she hopes this project “leaves students with a lasting understanding of how maths applies to real life, from measurement and ratios to budgeting and spatial planning”. Equally important, she highlights the invaluable resilience and time management skills they honed, learning to overcome challenges and meet deadlines – lessons that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

This project was an excellent example of how creativity and academic learning can merge to inspire and empower young minds.

Featured, mathematics, RealWorldLearning, Year8

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.