Project Based Learning: Create Your Own Theme Park

Course Summary

Design the ultimate theme park! In this two-day hands-on project, students become theme park planners and engineers. They’ll practice addition and subtraction to manage their ride budget, sketch or build a park map, label and name attractions, and present their design in a “Park Tour” to the class. Perfect for kids who love to dream, design, and create!

Course Description

In this exciting, creative class, students will take on the role of theme park designers—planning rides, food stands, and attractions while practicing real-world math and writing skills! On Day 1, students receive a set amount of Theme Tokens to spend. They’ll choose rides and attractions from a price list, practice addition and subtraction to stay under budget, and begin sketching a layout map of their park. Using labeling and descriptive writing, they’ll name attractions, design zones, and organize pathways or landmarks. On Day 2, the fun continues as students draw or build a detailed map or mini model of their park using paper, recyclables, or building materials. They’ll label each area, add creative decorations, and share their finished designs in a class “Park Tour” presentation. This project builds confidence, creativity, and real academic skills through open-ended learning. 🎯 Learning Goals By the end of the project, students will be able to: - Apply addition and subtraction to manage a ride budget. - Use descriptive and functional labeling to organize a map. - Develop spatial and design skills by creating a top-down park layout or 3D model. - Communicate ideas effectively through a short presentation. - Strengthen problem-solving and creativity through open-ended design.

Syllabus

Day 1 – Plan Your Park! - Brainstorm park names and themes (water park, space park, candy park, etc.). - Use Theme Tokens to plan rides and attractions. - Practice addition/subtraction to stay on budget. - Begin sketching the Theme Park Map and labeling areas. Day 2 – Build & Present! - Review the budget and map plan. - Create a detailed map or model using art or craft supplies. - Add labels, zones, and decorations. - Share a short presentation or “Park Tour” with classmates.

Supplies

Provided Printables: ✅ Theme Park Budget Sheet ✅ Park Planner Page ✅ Park Map Template or Graph Paper ✅ Ride & Attraction Idea List Basic Supplies: - Paper, crayons, markers, or colored pencils - Tape, glue, and scissors (adult supervision for younger kids) - Optional craft supplies: cardboard, boxes, string, pipe cleaners, stickers - Optional building supplies: building bricks or small figurines for 3D builds