Lesson Summary In this learning experience the students will design and build a piece of playground equipment that is designed for a purpose, demonstrates good building principles, uses appropriate materials, and has an interesting design.  The models will be built to scale.  Teacher Background This is the first structure the students have had to build to scale.  The concept of scale will need to be taught to students prior to asking them to do this learning experience.  In this learning experience the students will demonstrate how to make a strong and stable structure.  They will demonstrate how to use materials in appropriate ways.  They will demonstrate that good construction is based on scientific principles.  Aesthetic considerations must be combined with the principles of good construction if a structure is to be functional and fit the lives of the people it serves. Set-up/Management Tips The students will need to understand the concept of scale prior to starting this learning experience.  This topic is addressed on page 231 of the teacher’s manual.  The May/June 2001 MUSE Magazine has articles about scale and was listed as a helpful resource in the teacher’s manual on page 231. Ahead of time assemble a variety of materials the students can use to build their structures.  Put out the materials they have been using, as well as additional ones you and the students have collected.  Some readily available materials include different types and sizes of coffee stirrers, rubber tubing, small dowels, straws, paper, wood, cloth, cardboard, yarn, glue, paper fasteners, wire, etc…  Arrange for a central distribution table so that the contractors can select what they need.  Try to make arrangements for guests to come to the class to speak on important features of a neighborhood playground and about some of its users who have special playground needs.  Some “experts” you might ask include the physical education teacher, the school psychologist, a physical therapist for a disabled student, an architect, teacher, park director, and students of different ages. Collect books, and photos of different playgrounds for your classroom for students to use as resources. A recommended timeline and schedule to give the students is listed on page 232 of the teacher’s manual. Make copies of the following pages in the teacher’s manual:  Science Notebook Page Creative Playground Construction page 235, Group Recording Sheet Creative Playground Construction page 237, Group   Recording Sheet Creative Playground Construction-page 2 on page 239. Science notebook questions and writing suggestions for this learning experience are listed below: Before the students present their playground structures have them answer the questions listed on page 233 of the teacher’s manual. After the students have presented their structures have them respond to the questions listed on page 233 of the teacher’s manual in their science notebooks. Literacy Support Scientific Vocabulary The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit: scale