Mathematics Lesson Plan: Nursery Design Project (Grade 12)

This free project-based lesson asks students to apply practical math skills to a realistic design challenge. Students plan and justify a childcare classroom using measurement, scale drawings, ratios, and budgeting decisions.

Overview

Students work in teams to design a functional early childhood classroom. They measure a real space, calculate capacity, create a scale floor plan, and select equipment within a budget. The lesson connects geometry, proportional reasoning, and financial literacy to a real planning problem.

Subject Connections

Mathematics is the primary focus as students apply geometry, ratios, and percent calculations to a real-world problem. Technology and career awareness appear through budgeting and planning decisions similar to workplace tasks. Communication skills develop as students explain reasoning and justify choices.

Learning Goals

• Calculate area and determine room capacity
• Use ratios and proportions to create scale drawings
• Apply percent, tax, and discount calculations
• Interpret measurements and convert units
• Explain mathematical decisions in writing and discussion

Materials

• Graph paper
• Rulers and measuring tapes
• Calculators
• Clipboards or notebooks
• Sample equipment price lists (teacher-created or online)
• Pencils and colored pencils

Preparation

• Identify a classroom or hallway area students can safely measure
• Prepare a simple equipment catalog with prices
• Choose a required square-footage-per-child number for capacity calculations
• Arrange students into small design teams

Teaching Procedure

Pacing note: Each session fits a standard class period. The final presentation may require a longer block.

Session 1 – Introducing the Design Challenge

1. Activity: Students sketch a preschool classroom layout and identify required areas.
2. The teacher explains project expectations.
3. Teams create a planning notebook.

Session 2 – Measuring the Space

1. Activity: Students measure the room and record dimensions.
2. The teacher models calculating area.
3. Students compute square footage.

Session 3 – Capacity and Scale Drawing

1. Activity: Students calculate maximum capacity using square footage requirements.
2. The teacher demonstrates scaling with graph paper.
3. Students produce a scaled floor plan.

Session 4 – Budget and Purchasing

1. Activity: Students select furniture within a budget and calculate discount and tax.
2. Students revise purchases if needed.
3. Teams complete a purchase order with calculations.

Session 5 – Presentation and Reflection

1. Activity: Students present their design and explain mathematical reasoning.
2. Classmates ask questions.
3. Students write a reflection on the math used.

Assessment

• Accuracy of measurements and area calculations
• Correct use of scale in floor plan
• Budget calculations and percent operations
• Clarity of explanation during presentation

Differentiation

• Provide a partially measured diagram
• Allow calculators or formula sheets
• Challenge advanced students to add multiple rooms or a playground

Grade Adaptation

This lesson is designed for Grade 12 students who can integrate multiple math skills into a real-world project. Grades 9–10 students may need guided calculations and simpler budgets, while Grade 11 students can incorporate more complex constraints such as multiple rooms or staffing capacity limits.

Extension Ideas

• Design an outdoor play area and calculate fencing length
• Compare different layouts for efficiency
• Research childcare safety regulations and revise the plan