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Nelson Education > School > Mathematics K-8 > Math Focus > Grade 8 > Teacher Centre > Web Quests > Chapter 11
 

Web Quests

Chapter 11: 3-D Geometry

Skyscrapers

INTRODUCTION

Since people began constructing buildings, they have strived to create the most impressive, most beautiful, and tallest buildings possible. Just look at the pyramids in Egypt, cathedrals in Europe, and skyscrapers in North America.


 

THE TASK

In this task, you will use linking cubes to build a 3-D model of a skyscraper.

You may choose to draw at least two different views of your skyscraper on isometric paper, and then use your drawings to help you construct your linking cube model.


Or, you may choose to build your 3-D model of a skyscraper and then use your model to help you draw at least two different views of your skyscraper on isometric paper.


Once you have your completed drawings and your 3-D model, write a paragraph that answers the following questions:

  - Why did you choose to start with the model or with the drawings?
  - How you know your model matches your drawings?
  - How many linking cubes did you use to create your model?
  - Would someone else be able to create your skyscraper using only your two isometric drawings? Why or why not?

 

 

THE PROCESS

  1. First you need to choose a skyscraper to draw and build. Visit Great Buildings and Tallest Towers to see some different skyscrapers. Choose a building from one of these websites, or design your own.

  2. Now, either build your skyscraper out of linking cubes, OR draw at least two isometric drawings of your skyscraper.

  3. If you built your skyscraper model in Step 2, now is the time to draw at least two isometric drawings. If you made your drawings in Step 2, use them to help you as you construct your skyscraper model.

  4. Write a paragraph about building your skyscraper. Remember to answer the following questions:

  - Why did you choose to start with the model or with the drawings?
  - How you know your model matches your drawings?
  - How many linking cubes did you use to create your model?
  - Would someone else be able to create your skyscraper using only your two isometric drawings? Why or why not?

 

RESOURCES

Websites:

Great Buildings

Tallest Towers

Materials:

Pencil, isometric paper

 

ASSESSMENT

Criteria Work meets standard of excellence Work meets standard of proficiency Work meets acceptable standard Work does not yet meet acceptable standard
Visualization • Uses insightful visual representations that lead to an effective model
• Uses visual representations insightfully to demonstrate a thorough understanding of building cube models from plans		 • Uses meaningful visual representations that lead to a workable model
• Uses visual representations meaningfully to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of building cube models from plans		 • Uses simple visual representations that lead to a partially appropriate model
• Uses visual representations simply to demonstrate a basic understanding of building cube models from plans		 • Uses unclear visual representations that lead to an inaccurate model
• Uses visual representations poorly to demonstrate an incomplete understanding of building cube models from plans
Communication Uses effective and specific mathematical language, symbols, and conventions to enhance communication Uses appropriate and correct mathematical language, symbols, and conventions to support communication Uses mathematical language, symbols, and conventions to partially support communication Uses mathematical and non-mathematical language and conventions incorrectly and/or inconsistently, which interferes with communication

 

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