Building a patio
We created drawings and instructions that the students would be able to use as a reference while working. There are questions imbedded in the instructions that give students the opportunity to do some problem solving, to perform some basic calculations, and to figure out how to set up their tile pattern.
The Frame
A wooden box frames the stone pavers. Given its outside dimensions, students had to layout the hole to be excavated, create a cut list, and square the box. The following sheets both help the students by giving step-by-step instructions, and also prompt them to formally answer the math problems that arise.
Drawing 1: Calculating perimeter
Drawing 2: Calculating the length of the diagonals and squaring the angles
Drawing 3: Calculating different board lengths
The Pattern
The tiles that we used are octagonal with an attached square. In order to figure out how many we needed to purchase, the students had to plan out the pattern. To help with this process, we created the following activity:
1. Using 8 edge and 4 center pieces, create a square (sort of like a puzzle). There will a small gap in the center.
2. Write down three observations about the pattern in your notebook.
3. Draw the pattern using a ruler and large octagonal graph paper.
4. On medium octagonal graph paper, create a rectangular design that has 6 edge pieces along the length, and 4 along the width.
5. Using the measurements of the frame, figure out the number of edge pieces and center pieces that we will need for the actual patio.
6. Using small octagonal graph paper, create a drawing of the patio pattern.
Sample Drawing: A square design on octagonal graph paper
