Mini-Homes - University of Houston
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Summer Activities

Mini-Homes

This module explores the visualization and use of the area of shapes in mini-homes! Students will explore different shapes, such as parallelograms, rectangles, squares, triangles, etc., to determine the ideal shapes to build and showcase their version of a mini-home!

After this module you will be able to:

  • Convert between two different measurement systems.
  • Calculate the area of squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and circles.
  • Create a floor plan for a mini-home using various shapes and measurements.

CONTENT TEKS

  • 6.8(B) Model area formulas for parallelograms, trapezoids, and triangles by decomposing and rearranging parts of these shapes.
  • 6.8(D) Determine solutions for problems involving the area of rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and triangles.
  • 7.9(C) Determine the area of composite figures containing combinations of rectangles, squares, parallelograms, trapezoids, triangles, semicircles, and quarter circles.

PROCESS TEKS

  • 7.1(A) Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace.
  • 7.1(B) Use a problem‐solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem‐solving process and the reasonableness of the solution.
  • 7.1(C) Select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems.

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS – CONTENT

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.1 Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationship between two quantities.
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.2 Understand the concept of a unit rate a/b associated with a ratio a:b with b ≠ 0, and use rate language in the context of a ratio relationship.
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions, including ratios of lengths, areas, and other quantities measured in like or different units.
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.2 Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.

Materials

Safety

This lesson does not require hazardous or harmful materials.

Activity

Design your version of a mini-home floor plan.

Watch the activity video below.

You will need your teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive journal and the accompanying document:

Dig Deeper

Read This

Did you know that certain shapes cause us to feel different emotions? This article goes into the psychology behind our perceptions of different shape designs with examples of brand icons and the meaning behind their use of shapes.

Try This

Did you know there are several web-based applications that allow you to design your own floor plan? Floorplanner is a free application or website for exploring the world of architecture by designing 2D or 3D floor plans for your dream home! Select the “Demo” option to gain access to the free version of the application. While creating your dream floor plan, try to use all the shapes that we mentioned in our lesson.

Watch This

Did you know 3D shapes can be folded down into 2D shapes? With this method, we can find out the total surface area of any prism by just adding up the total amount of area from each face given its shape, such as a square, circle, or triangle. Watch this Brain-Pop video of Nat and Moby in a department store as they explore the different prism shapes in a real-world scenario.

Show What You Know

Meet Our Expert

Did you know the act of reading can help you become a researcher? Meet Tanvi Parikh, who is a graduate student at University of Houston. With a B.S. in mechanical engineering, Tanvi serves as a researcher at the Texas Center for Superconductivity at University of Houston, or TcSUH. She shares how her non-traditional start to becoming a researcher included the importance of exposure to analytical thinking at a young age and taking advantage of opportunities to become a researcher.

Meet The Teachers

Jacqueline Ekeoba

Jacqueline Ekeoba
Master Teacher, teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive
Interactive Team Lead, teachHOUSTON, Department of Mathematics, University of Houston
Jacqueline Ekeoba is an alumna of the inaugural group of students graduating through the teachHOUSTON Program (University of Houston). She then earned an M.A. in STEM Education and Engineering (University of Texas) and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Global Pragmatic Research in STEM Education (Texas Tech University). As a former high school science teacher and instructional coach, she mentors and volunteers through her church and sorority (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Zeta chapter). In her free time, she writes comic book fan fiction and experiments with allergen-friendly cooking.

Elaine Paz

Elaine Paz
7th Grade Math Teacher, Cinco Ranch Junior High, Katy ISD
University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, teachHOUSTON Alumna, Mathematics Major 
Ms. Paz is a 7th grade middle school math teacher who went to Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD and graduated from the University of Houston in 2018. She has served as a camp counselor and/or team lead intern at STEM camps for UH since 2017. In her free time, she likes to crochet colorful bags and make jewelry.

Andy Salinas

Andy Salinas
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mr. Salinas is an upcoming 10th grade geometry teacher at Spring Woods High School in Spring Branch ISD. He recently graduated from the University of Houston and is excited to go make an impact in his community.

Theodore Leung

Theodore Leung
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Theodore is currently a junior at University of Houston majoring in mathematics and taking part in  teachHOUSTON. He is pursuing a degree in mathematics. Theodore is looking forward to becoming a high school math teacher and basketball coach. In his free time, he plays basketball, jogs, and plays video games.

Kevin A. Nguyen

Kevin A. Nguyen
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Kevin is currently an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in mathematics and is part of the teachHOUSTON program. His goal is to become a high school math teacher at an underprivileged school district. In his free time, he enjoys walking on the beach, cleaning, and video games.

Carolyn Nguyen

Carolyn Nguyen
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive Video Editor
Carolyn is an undergraduate at the University of Houston. She has just started her first year in the teachHOUSTON program. In her free time, she likes to work on arts and crafts.