Modeling Prompt 2
The Garden Wall
Geometry
In-Class Launch
Use after Unit 1, Lesson 1
Distribute a copy of the “Wall Diagram” blackline master to each individual or group. Here is the image for reference and planning:
Ask students: “What features do you see in this plan?” (A garden, a wall, a flagstone pathway, plants, a patio.)
Focus students’ attention on the garden and explain that it is a plan for a raised-bed garden, which is a garden framed by a low wall and filled with soil so that the plants in it are higher than those growing in the surrounding ground. The homeowner plans to build a new concrete block wall, and the garden within.
Questions for discussion:
- “What is the height of the wall?” (It is labeled as 1 foot, 6 inches high.) If necessary, clarify that the ’ symbol means feet, and the ” symbol means inches.
- “How thick is the wall?” (On the plan, \(\frac18\) inch represents 1 foot. The thickness of the wall on the plan is less than \(\frac{1}{8}\) inch but more than \(\frac{1}{16}\) inch, so the wall is between 6 inches and 12 inches thick. It looks closer to 6 inches.)
- “What materials will we need to make the garden, including the new concrete block wall?” (Concrete blocks, dirt, mortar. Some students also may mention rebar (REE-bahr), depending on their experience.)