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Introduction

The design of a flower bed--whether for an office building, park, school, or backyard-- requires many mathematical skills. Measurement, scale drawing, estimation, and, of course, computation of total cost make this project both interesting and comprehensive.

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The Task

Given a budget and a list of plants from which to choose, groups are to design a flower bed and calculate what the total cost will be. The learner will:

• Use geometric shapes to design a flower bed
• Use a scale to make a diagram of a flower bed
• Estimate cost and planning within a budget
• Calculate with money and make an itemized tally of expenses

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Resources

• Planting Flowers-contains names of various flowers, prices, and designs.
• Gardening -contains pointers on gardening.
• Fuselage 16-another way to find area.
• Ruler
• Graph Paper
• Measuring Tape
• Crayons or Colored Markers

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The Process

Imagine that your school's PTA has donated $350 toward the design of a new flower bed in the school courtyard. Your class has been chosen to provide the design and select the plants. The area for the flower bed is 30 feet by 30 feet and enjoys full to moderate sunlight. Since the PTA would like to see several possible designs, your class will be divided into groups with each group responsible for coming up with its own design. You will be given a list of possible plants from which to choose, including prices. Your goal is to design an attractive flower bed at the best cost. Each group will submit a final design of the flower bed, including a scale. Also submit an itemized tally and final cost of expenses. Each group will make a presentation to the PTA.

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Evaluation

A list of criteria will be assigned a numerical value which will be used to calculate a grade. The following criteria will be used for assessment:

• Creating the most cost effective design
• Individual Work
• Cooperative Work
• Students' abilities to meet deadlines
• Oral Presentation of Project

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Conclusion

Upon completion of this project, students will no doubt gain a better understanding of plants and flower beds, and may even wish to design a flower bed for their own home. Hopefully, the implementation of this design will sharpen the students' visual perception, stimulate their imaginations, and enhance their sense of relationships.

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