What do you notice? What do you wonder?

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Here is an image of two tents.

1. Record the question that your class is answering.
2. What do you need to know to be able to answer the question? List the information that you need.
3. Use the information that you received to answer the question. Show your reasoning, including any assumptions that you make about the situation. Organize your work so that it can be followed by others.

You are going to design a tent for 4 people. Your design must:

• Include a floor panel.
• Show how the sleeping bags fit inside.
• Be tall enough that people can at least kneel inside the tent.

After creating a design, you will estimate the amount of material needed to build it and show your reasoning.

Sample Tent Styles

Tent Height Specifications

Sleeping Bag Measurements

1. Create your design.
   1. Tent floor: Sketch the shape of the floor panel and the placements of sleeping bags. Think about approximate measurements. How large is this floor panel?
   2. Relevant information: What decisions did you make for your tent? What assumptions did you make?
   3. Overall design: Sketch what the tent would look like. Think about approximate measurements. How high is the tallest point of your tent?

2. Estimate the amount of material needed to build your tent. Your estimate must: 

   • Be based on measurements you researched or received.
   • Include sketches that show the parts of the tent and their measurements.
   • Be supported by calculations.

   Organize your work so it can be followed by others. You can use additional paper if you need more space.

1. Explain your tent design and material estimate to your group. Be sure to explain why you chose this design and how you found your material estimate.

2. Compare the estimated material necessary for each tent in your group. Discuss the following questions:

   • Which tent design used the least material? Why?
   • Which tent design used the most material? Why?