Pyramid Engineering
Can you design and build a Wonder of the World?

Site URL: http://cte.jhu.edu/techacademy/web/2000/wright/pyramids.html
Site Last Updated on 30 June 2004
Site developed by Christopher Wright

Introduction   Task     Process  Resources    Evaluation   Conclusion

Grade Level:  Tenth (10) Grade Engineering Technologies

One of the greatest mysteries ever known to mankind has been the designing and construction of the Ancient Pyramids.  The world's oldest structure is so advanced that it cannot be duplicated today, even using current technology.  Can you, the engineers of the future, uncover some of the intrigue and mystique that surround these structures?  Can you discover construction methods?  the geometry used?  materials that were used? design concepts that fueled this design?  This webquest will help you on your journey through Ancient Egypt to explore these various topics.  During your exploration, you will gather information and hints on how to lead your group's creation of "The Great Pyramid".

Task 

After your trip through Egypt, you and your group will use the gathered information and the problem-solving steps to create your interpretation of "The Great Pyramid".  Your team of architects, engineers, and archeologists will convene to discuss your findings, then proceed to design, draw, and construct your version of the pyramid.

Process

You team will conduct a two-day expedition to Egypt to complete your research.  If additional time and funding are needed to complete your research, your team is responsible for producing extra time and funding!  I have provided you with a small map that may be helpful in beginning your trip.

The following list suggests steps that your team can take to have a successful trip and a polished final creation.

    1.   Your group should convene to determine its mission for the exploration (review problem-solving steps).

    2.    The team should pair off in two groups (to insure safety while going through unchartered tombs, chambers, and traps). The  two pairs should research the required information using the suggested web-sites or other pertinent sources (be sure to stay on task because any straying from your group and will be in great danger).

    3.    After your expedition, your group will gather and present individual findings to the rest of the group.  You will use these discoveries to design and construct your interpretation of a "Great Pyramid".  You will be required to include scaled drawings (plan(s), elevation(s), section(s), etc.) of your design, a scaled model of your design, and the cost estimation of your design.

    4.    Upon completion of the design and construction phase, a 5-10 minute computer generated slide show presentation will be presented to the clients.  You must include your background information (i.e., pictures from your trip to Egypt), your problem-solving process, your problems encountered while designing, solutions or corrections due to yur problems, and your final design.  Your slide show should include all of your work, except for your scaled model which will also be viewed during your presentation.
Upon completion, the clients will choose their desired design firm.

Resources

The list that follows offers possible starting points for your exploration.  You may use any of these as well as related resources of your choice.

I.  Voyage through Egypt

• To adventure through the cahmbers and passageways of the Great Pyramid
• Egyptian Journey that includes info on pyramids, temples, videos, games, a bookstore,etc
• Various construction methods for pyramids
• Map to various routes in Egypt
• Welcome to EgyptWorld

• Dr.Math
• Pyramid Volume Theory

III.  Problem-Solving Process

• Logical Problem-Solving Steps
• Problem-Solving Steps

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Your final project grade will be based on the following components:

1.)  Your team's "Problem-Solving Process".  Did you follow the steps?  How did you react and resolve your setbacks?  (Pair grade)

2.)  Your final design.  Was the drawing(s) accurate, craetive, and responsive to the problem?  Is your model constructed well?  accurate in accordance with the drawings?  (Team grade)

3.)  Your client presentation on about your trip and solutions.  (Team grade)
 

Click here to view the grading rubric for your project.

Conclusion

Through this activity, you have seen the relationship between mathematics and engineering.  You have practiced the actual skills that an engineer, architect, etc. needs to succeed:  the ability to apply your research to solve "real" life problems.  Hopefully, mathematics is no longer a class in which you feel that you only learn to count, add, subtract, multiply, and divide!  This project hopefully inspires you to research further the application of mathematics as you journey on as the future engineers, architects, scientists, etc.  GO ENGINEERS!