Introduction
The cost of lumber is a material that is affected by our economy. For example, while there was not a shortage of trees or lumber during the pandemic of 2020, there was a shortage of available workers to make those trees into usable lumber. This doubled the price. While people were searching for projects to do while quarantined at home, many had to postpone any that involved the purchase of wood.
When calculating an estimate of cost for lumber, you want to minimize waste as much as possible. There are other building materials that can be used instead of lumber for different projects, but a cost comparison and research on durability of the material would be necessary before deciding what to do next.
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...
- Calculate area of space involving lumber.
- Calculate appropriate materials to use for an application.
- Calculate estimates for construction or repair projects.
Essential Questions
- How are geometric principles used to define physical objects?
- How can geometric principles be used to identify characteristics of objects?
- How can geometric principles be used to generate measurements of objects?
- How can ratios and proportions generate accurate measurements?
- What is the relationship between dimensions length, width, and/or height) in two- and three-dimensional objects?
- How does a change in one dimension affect the other dimension(s)?
- How can technology be used to compare mathematical solutions?
- What math is used to guide personal finances?
- How is math used to analyze and model personal finances and everyday-life activities?
- How is math used to guide decisions made in different businesses/industries?
- How can technology be used to solve math problems and to compare mathematical processes or procedures?
Enduring Understandings
- Geometric and measurement principles can be used to define and explain our physical world.
- Geometric concepts are used to create three-dimensional products from two-dimensional concepts.
- Mathematics can be used to analyze trends and to optimize products or performance.
- Mathematical problem solvers apply various skills and strategies to make decisions about everyday-life activities and to solve real-world problems.
The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Career Math standards: 2c, 9b, 10a.