Math Detectives: Design a Miniature Amusement Park

Materials Needed

• Paper or graph paper
• Pencil, colored pencils, or markers
• Ruler
• Small objects for measuring, such as blocks, coins, or toy cars
• Calculator, optional
• Scissors and recycled materials, optional
• Notebook or journal

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to:

• Use multiplication and addition to solve real-world money and measurement problems.
• Read and create a simple map using a scale.
• Calculate the perimeter of at least three rectangles.
• Explain design choices using complete sentences and mathematical vocabulary.
• Create and present an original miniature amusement park plan.

Success Criteria

A successful project will include:

• At least four attractions labeled on a map.
• A clear map scale, such as 1 square = 5 feet.
• At least three correct perimeter calculations.
• A total budget that is added correctly.
• A short explanation of how the park is safe, fun, and well organized.

Introduction: The Theme Park Challenge

Hook: Imagine you have been hired to design a brand-new amusement park. You have limited space and a limited budget. How will you make your park exciting while making sure everything fits?

Tell the learner:

Today, you will become a park designer. You will use math to plan attractions, measure spaces, manage a budget, and create a map.

Quick Discussion

• What amusement park attraction would you build first?
• What does a safe and enjoyable park need?
• Why might a park designer need math?

Invite the learner to sketch or describe a favorite attraction. This provides a personal choice and helps connect the lesson to real life.

Body: I Do

1. Model Reading a Scale

Explain that a map scale shows how a small drawing represents a larger real space.

Example: If 1 square on the paper represents 5 feet, then a ride that is 4 squares long represents:

4 × 5 = 20 feet

Model another example:

If a snack stand is 3 squares wide and each square represents 5 feet, its real width is:

3 × 5 = 15 feet

2. Model Finding Perimeter

Explain that perimeter is the distance around the outside of a shape.

For a rectangular attraction:

Perimeter = length + width + length + width

Example:

• Length: 6 squares
• Width: 3 squares
• Perimeter: 6 + 3 + 6 + 3 = 18 squares

If each square represents 5 feet:

18 × 5 = 90 feet

3. Model Using a Budget

Give each attraction a pretend cost:

Model choosing three attractions and adding their costs:

$450 + $175 + $90 = $715

Explain that designers must make choices because they cannot always afford everything they want.

Body: We Do

Guided Design Practice

Work together to plan a small park using the following steps:

1. Choose a park name.
2. Choose a total budget of $700, $900, or $1,200.
3. Select at least four attractions from the price chart or invent new ones.
4. Draw a park boundary on graph paper.
5. Choose a scale. For example, 1 square = 5 feet.
6. Place the attractions so they fit inside the boundary.
7. Draw paths between attractions.
8. Add at least one entrance, one restroom, and one safety area.

Think-Pair-Share or Talk-It-Through

Ask the learner to think quietly, explain their idea aloud, and then revise it after discussion.

• Which attraction should be closest to the entrance? Why?
• Where should the snack stand go?
• How can visitors move safely around the park?
• Which attraction did you choose not to buy because of the budget?

Quick Formative Check

Ask the learner to solve these problems:

1. If 1 square equals 5 feet, how many feet are represented by 7 squares?
2. What is the perimeter of a rectangle that is 5 squares long and 2 squares wide?
3. What is the total cost of a carousel, snack stand, and game booth?

Answers: 35 feet; 14 squares; $390.

Body: You Do

Independent Project: Build Your Park

The learner independently creates a complete amusement park plan.

Required Parts

• A creative park name and logo
• A labeled map
• At least four attractions
• A stated map scale
• Three perimeter calculations
• A budget showing costs and the final total
• Paths, an entrance, restrooms, and a safety area
• A written explanation of the design

Choice Options

The learner may choose one format:

• Draw the park on paper.
• Build a three-dimensional model with blocks or recycled materials.
• Create a digital map using a drawing or presentation program.
• Give an oral presentation supported by a sketch.

Presentation

Have the learner present the park to a family member, classmate, teacher, or imaginary group of investors.

The presentation should answer:

• What is the name of your park?
• What is the most exciting attraction?
• How much did the park cost?
• How did you make sure everything fit?
• What makes your park safe and enjoyable?

Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Listen for correct use of terms such as scale, perimeter, length, width, and budget.
• Check the learner’s scale calculations before the map is completed.
• Review one perimeter calculation together.
• Ask the learner to explain how they know the park fits within the available space.

Summative Assessment Rubric

Differentiation and Support

For Learners Who Need More Support

• Use a smaller budget and a smaller map.
• Provide a pre-drawn park boundary.
• Use only two-dimensional rectangles for attractions.
• Offer a multiplication chart or calculator.
• Complete the first attraction together before working independently.
• Allow the learner to explain answers orally instead of writing every response.

For Learners Ready for More Challenge

• Add an admission price and calculate how many visitors are needed to earn back the budget.
• Calculate the area of each attraction.
• Design a second park using a different scale.
• Add fractional distances, such as a path that is 2 1/2 squares long.
• Write a persuasive advertisement encouraging families to visit the park.

Real-World Connections

Explain that architects, engineers, event planners, and business owners use similar skills. They must measure spaces, create maps, manage money, make safe designs, and explain their ideas to others.

Conclusion: Recap and Reflection

Review the lesson by asking the learner to complete these sentences:

• A map scale helps me...
• Perimeter means...
• A budget is useful because...
• One design choice I am proud of is...
• One thing I would improve is...

Finish with this challenge:

If you received $200 more for your park, what would you add or change? Explain your choice with a calculation.

Key takeaway: Math helps people turn creative ideas into plans that fit, work, and stay within a budget.