How can we use shapes, measurement, and budget planning to design a fun and realistic theme park?

Project Description

In this project, students become “theme park designers” who use geometry (shapes, area, perimeter) and simple budgeting to plan a realistic theme park on grid paper. They design rides and park features with basic shapes, calculate areas and perimeters to check what fits, and use a fixed “park dollars” budget to make trade-offs between options. The project is aligned with CCSS Math and NGSS Engineering Design standards and includes clear, student-friendly rubrics that assess math application, research, and individual collaboration.

Why Use this Project?

This project turns abstract ideas like area, perimeter, and budgeting into something concrete, visual, and fun that students genuinely care about. It embeds CCSS and NGSS skills inside a real-world design task, helping students see math as a tool for solving authentic problems rather than just exercises on a page. The included Goal Sheet, Task Timeline, price list, budget list, and rubrics make it easy to manage group work while still assessing each student individually on math, research, and collaboration. Because students must revise their designs based on measurements and costs, they naturally practice problem solving, persistence, and flexible thinking. Teachers and administrators can feel confident that this project supports core standards, strengthens mathematical reasoning, and builds students’ ability to plan, communicate, and reflect—while keeping engagement high.