Grade 7 Recycling Centre Geometry

How to build a recycling centre?

Our grade 7 students were tasked with designing a recycling centre for each of the 4 homerooms in Geometer's Sketchpad. The result was a net that they printed onto a regular sheet of paper. Students then recreated the boxes from the printout to become scaled versions of the original.
their hallway. To begin the process they deconstructed a box and plotted the lengths, angles and shapes into



The second step was to design a recycling centre that could house paper, plastic and drink containers for refund. Working in groups, they developed their centres and created the mathematical net using Geometer's Sketchpad.



The third step was to create a scaled model of their design. Several students used Sketchup, free intuitive 3D modelling software. Some students exported these models to our Makerbot 3D printer, while
others chose to create paper models.

The fourth step was for the student groups to present their design to the class for a vote. Each presentation included the materials, cost, and feasibility.

The final step in the process was for the class to choose one design to build and use in their classroom. Each of the four homerooms in grade 7 now has a unique, student built, functional  recycling centre that is the envy of the school.