Design a Skyscraper
#1 in You do the math Series
What’s inside...
The book follows a young architect tasked with designing a state-of-the-art skyscraper. As they navigate through various design challenges, they learn about the latest advancements in technology and sustainability. The story encourages readers to think critically about the impact of buildings on the environment and the importance of innovative design in modern architecture. Additionally, the book features math problems ranging from addition and decimals to line graphs and pie charts, challenging readers to solve various exercises throughout each stage of the project to build one of the world's tallest buildings.
Discussion points
If you could design your own skyscraper, what unique features would it have and why?
How do you think the design of a skyscraper impacts the city around it?
What are some challenges you think architects face when designing tall buildings?
Why is it important to consider the environment when building new structures?
How would you use math and science to help you design a skyscraper?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to draw or describe their ideal skyscraper.
Discuss the importance of different elements like sustainability and functionality in architecture.
Relate the challenges in skyscraper design to daily problem-solving scenarios to make it more relatable.
Explore the role of teamwork in architecture by discussing how different experts must collaborate to create a skyscraper.
Use examples from the book to highlight how math and science are crucial in building and design. This can help emphasize the practical applications of their school subjects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The book encourages children to think creatively as they design their own skyscrapers, allowing them to mix different architectural styles and materials.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply creative thinking to solve problems and express themselves in diverse ways, whether in school projects or during playtime.
Example Lesson: Planning and Organization
Explanation: As they design a skyscraper, children learn the importance of planning and organizing through prioritizing what elements are necessary for a successful structure.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand how to approach tasks systematically, improving their ability to organize school assignments or manage their personal belongings.
Example Lesson: Mathematical Reasoning
Explanation: The task of designing a skyscraper requires children to think about dimensions and scaling, thus enhancing their mathematical reasoning skills.
Real-World Application: These skills are transferrable to everyday situations like measuring for a recipe or calculating time needed for travel.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book implies that building a skyscraper is a collaborative effort, teaching children the value of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate in group activities at school or in their community, learning to value different opinions and talents.
Example Lesson: Understanding Architecture and Engineering
Explanation: Children are introduced to basic principles of architecture and engineering, fostering an early interest in these fields.
Real-World Application: This knowledge could inspire children to explore related educational paths or careers, or simply to better understand and appreciate the structures around them in their daily environment.