GSE Geometry

ADA Ramp Design Project

The ADA Ramp Design Project required students to come together in teams of four. They were given a fictional scenario, where they had a client requesting a ramp be built.

​The project required 4 full class periods where students would work on one part per day. Day 1 and Day 2 were comprised of calculations. For both those days students had to correctly calculate the height, length, and width of the ramp. Day 3 and Day 4 required little calculation. Day 3 was simply comprised of combining all the calculations into one letter for the “client.” Day 4 was refining that letter and checking for any grammar or spelling errors.

Assignment Analysis (What Students Learned)

Students learned the value of correct measurements, efficiency, and double-checking work. One of the most common mistakes students made, was incorrectly calculating the more efficient cost of the ramp. There were two options:

• the more expensive, more durable concrete ​​
• the cheaper less durable, plywood

Many groups came to the conclusion plywood was a far better option in terms of cost. Even though concrete was far more durable, many students deemed that the objective was to make a cost-effective ramp rather than a more durable one.