Grade 8 Math: Design Your Math Van

LEARNING GOALS
The main learning goal for this lesson is for students to put to use the area formulas that they have learnt
throughout this Measurement unit, and apply it to a real life irregular figure (a van). By segmenting the van
into various shapes, they will be able to find the total surface area of the van. There is also a cross
curricular component with art as the students will decorate a separate van according to the shapes they
segmented and calculated. This is a multi-period lesson as it will take some time for students to measure,
calculate, then design their vans.
SUCCESS CRITERIA
I can remember the 5 main area formulas taught throughout this unit
I can stay on task and follow instructions
I can calculate the formulas without using a calculator (except with area of circles)
I can segment irregular figures

ASSESSMENT TASKS & TOOLS

The main mark which is being taken from this is based on the accuracy of their area measurements and
them showing their calculations. There can also be an art mark taken from this assignment based off of the
effort put into the designing of the van.

RESOURCES
List of resources that will be used to facilitate learning. Include a list for both the Teacher and the
Learner.

Two Van print offs

Ruler
Pencil
Paper
Pencil Crayons
Calculators

ACCOMMODATIONS
The IEP students for this class can use calculators for all of the shapes. Also, if assistance is needed,
myself or Mr. Lavoie can show them the best areas where to segment the van, as well as specific shapes
they have to find the area of.
INTRODUCTION
Start off the class by getting the students to tell all of the area formulas they have learnt. Once all of them
have been listed, tell them that we are very near the end of the unit and will be doing an assignment based
on these formulas.

BODY OF LESSON
Introduce the “Design Your Math Van” activity to the class. Explain that they will be given two separate
vans, one to do calculations with, and the other to segment and design. On the board write down what they
will need to calculate (Total area of Van, Area of Van without Window, Area of the main body of van
without door, window, wheels, or bumpers). All measurements should be done to the nearest .5 cm. Once
the project is handed out, circulate the classroom to make sure every student is working at a good pace,
and each student is on task. This assignment will take multiple classes so some students may be behind,
and some students may be ahead. Make sure that all students are on the correct path towards completion.

CONCLUSION,REVIEW, WRAP UP OF LESSON

Conclude each class by getting the students to finish what calculations they are
on, clean up, and hand in their vans and calculations. This is so teachers can see
each students’ progress, as well as it limits the possibility of students losing
their projects.

REFLECTION OF LESSON
What went well?
What would you do differently next time?