Problem Number 1

Careers:
Gardener, Storage Clerk, Mail Packaging Person

Math Topic:
Connections Standard: Grade 8-9
Problem Solving Standard: Grade 7-8
Numbers and Operations Standard: Grade 5-6
Geometry: Grade 7-8
Measurement: Grade 5-6

In the garden there is a big tent-like structure temporarily used for storing styrofoam trays.
Ms. Macdonald wants to know an estimate of the number of styrofoam trays she has left in the tent-like structure,
in case she needs them for further use.
The styrofoam trays take up about 1/6 of the volume of the tent-like structure.
Using the dimensions below, can you make an estimate of how many trays are currently in the storage space?

Dimensions---
Tent-like Structure: Diameter = 168 in.
Length = 546 in.
Volume = ___?___

Styrofoam Tray: Length = 21 in.
Width = 10.5 in.
Height = 2 in.
Volume = ___?___

Here is a picture of what the styrofoam trays look like:

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Problem Number 2

For the math corner of the secret garden, there is going to be a gravel path. It is going to surround the corner, forming a trapezoid. The length the sides have been calculated (see table) and now there are just a few things left to do for the path to be picture perfect.

To see a larger version of this picture, click the picture.

Around the math corner, there is going to be a path of gravel. The gravel will need to be supported by gravel boards around the sides. After some research, it was decided to go with a company that sold lengths of boards that are 4.8 meters long for £1.12.. Ms. MacDonald wants as many full lengths of 4.8 on each side as possible. This is so that when she orders the boards, they will be easier to fit. The board lengths, which are not 4.8 meters, need to be specified. So how many full lengths will be needed and how much will it all cost? (HINT: make a spreadsheet to show the lengths and the partial lengths. You might even want to try to draw a picture.)

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Problem Number 3

Type of Problem: geometry, measurement, and connections
Possible careers: builder, landscaper
Now we need all that lovely gravel to fill the path from Problem 2, Ms. Macdonald wants the gravel layer to be 3 cm thick. It needs to fill the path around the garden. The gravel company has said that if more than 5 tons of gravel is ordered, it will only cost £12.25 be ton. But if less than 5 tons is ordered, the cost will be £14.95 per ton. So, how much gravel will be needed and how much will it cost?
Other helpful information: One ton of gravel fills 0.7 m3.
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