Graphical Modelling:2

Short focused tasks:
Technique: to use geometric tools to create objects which can be manipulated using an object-based graphics package
12. Show the class how to create various objects using straight lines, curved lines, geometric shapes and curved shapes.
 Ask the children to create a set of graphic elements which could be used to produce a plan of the classroom.

13.  To add text to an AutoShape, right click on it and select Add Text from the menu.  You can change the direction of text by clicking on the text direction button  on the text box toolbar.

 

14. Show the children how objects can be grouped by holding down the Shift key and selecting multiple objects.

 

Keep the Shift key held down, right click and select Grouping from the menu.

Click on Group.  You can now move, resize, rotate or copy and paste the objects as a group. To change one element of a group, simply click on Ungroup.

The class should now be ready to have a go at creating a plan of the classroom, but before they start you may want to demonstrate a package from a furniture company which allows you to experiment with different room layouts.

See Ross Furniture at http://www.rossfurniture.com/designs.html

Short focused tasks:
Key idea: that a graphical model can be used to explore alternatives and identify patterns and relationships.

    

 

 

 

15.Show the children how to start a new document in Word and change the Page Setup to Landscape by selecting the Paper Size tab
16.Change the View to Whole Page and draw out a rectangle to represent the classroom. 

If you have Word 2000 you may want to show the gridlines to help you arrange the classroom layout: click on Draw on the drawing toolbar, then on Grid.

Select Show Gridlines on Screen and change the settings from 1 to 3.


If you have already drawn a rectangle, you won’t see the gridlines unless you right click on the shape, select Format AutoShape and select no fill on the fill colour (a shape is filled with white by default) 

If you are using Word 97, the gridlines are not visible.

17. Ask the children to find out how many tables would fit in the classroom using different layouts and different-sized chairs and tables.More able children could be encouraged to work to scale.

Ask the children to consider alternatives, eg. what would happen if the tables were twice as long? and to identify any patterns.

 

 

 
18. Children could be encouraged to plan their ideal classroom, showing best use of space and easy access to facilities.

 
19. The class could also be asked to think of ways to improve the school site.
Ask them to produce maps showing the site as it is, and their proposals.
Tell them that they need to show that their proposals will not disrupt requirements eg. access and parking.

 

20. Finished plans or maps should be saved and printed.

The children should be able to apply what they have learnt in this unit when making maps in Geography and drawing diagrams in Science.