Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to apply arithmetic skills to calculate dimensions and quantities needed to build a wood fort.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencil
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Calculator (optional)
• Basic knowledge of arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

Activities

1. Measure the available space for the wood fort in your backyard. Record the length and width in feet.

2. Determine the desired height of the fort. Discuss with your parent or guardian and decide on a suitable height in feet.

3. Calculate the area of the base of the fort by multiplying the length and width measurements obtained in step 1.

4. Calculate the volume of the fort by multiplying the area of the base (from step 3) by the height (from step 2).

5. Research and decide on the type of wood you would like to use for the fort. Find out the dimensions of the wood pieces available for purchase.

6. Divide the volume of the fort (from step 4) by the volume of a single wood piece to determine the number of pieces needed.

7. Calculate the total length of wood required by multiplying the number of pieces needed (from step 6) by the length of a single wood piece.

8. Discuss the cost of the wood with your parent or guardian and calculate the total cost based on the price per piece and the number of pieces needed.

Sixth Grade Talking Points

• "In this lesson, we will be using our math skills to plan and build a wood fort."
• "We will measure the available space in our backyard to determine the size of the fort."
• "To find the area of the base of the fort, we will multiply the length and width measurements."
• "By multiplying the area of the base by the desired height, we can find the volume of the fort."
• "We will research and decide on the type of wood to use, considering its dimensions."
• "To determine the number of wood pieces needed, we will divide the volume of the fort by the volume of a single wood piece."
• "Multiplying the number of pieces needed by the length of a single wood piece will give us the total length of wood required."
• "Lastly, we will calculate the total cost of the wood based on the price per piece and the number of pieces needed."