Construction and the built environment
A collection of resources designed to provide ideas and inspiration for teaching mathematics in the context of construction and the built environment. These resources have been selected as relevant to post-16 vocational learners who are working towards re-sitting GCSE Mathematics. Heat analysis considers the mathematics used in other areas of construction such as the use of formulae, calculating perimeters, surface areas and volumes and being able to extract information from graphs. Sewage Tunnels is part of a suite of resources exploring the mathematics used in some of the unseen areas of construction. Activities provide a context for work on volume of three dimensional shapes, approximation, estimation and a consideration of the wider implications of construction. Driving building piles provides an example of how coordinates are used in construction and Floor loads is a good example of how formulae are used in the building industry.
View the MEI Contextualisation Toolkit
Heat Analysis
This resource requires students to investigate heat loss from a building. The introduction looks at fabric heat loss (external walls, windows, roof etc.) and ventilation heat loss through cracks and openings in the external building fabric (around window frames, door, etc.).
Formulae for each type of heat loss are given and students apply this information to calculate the total heat loss from information about a specific building in winter conditions. A table to record results is given and questions regarding the reduction of carbon emissions, consideration of the major sources of heat loss as well as where and how it might be possible to reduce these values are posed.
This resource includes information which students could use, as an extension to the initial heat analysis investigation, to estimate the total heat loss from their own dwellings.
Thermal transmittance of a variety of elements is given for current and pre-2002 building regulations. The difference between the two sets of results will give an indication of how improvements to the fabric of their dwelling might reduce energy consumption and running costs.
Sewage tunnels
This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), challenges students to use their mathematical skills to calculate the critical dimensions of the tunnel that will be built. It could also be taught in design and technology or engineering, with the emphasis on how the development will affect the quality of life and how it could be realised.
The activity challenges students to move beyond an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach to sewage as they use and develop their mathematical process skills within the real-world contexts presented. This activity provides a context for work on volume a cylinder, volume of a cone, area of a circle and surface area of a cone.
This resource is supported by a full set of activities in the Shifting Sewage collection and by the video Shifting Sewage.
How Much Sewage?
This activity follows on from the How Much Waste? activity and provides an engaging task to continue the learning focusing on the link between sewage and the underground tunnel system. It encourages students to think about the role of engineers in providing us with healthy sanitation and waste-water disposal systems.
Learning outcomes include:
• To develop an insight into the representation of large volumes
• To determine and select variables, then apply mathematical formulae to solve real-life problems
This resource is supported by a full set of activities in the Shifting Sewage collection and by the video Shifting Sewage.
Keeping a House Warm
This resource looks at the maths behind keeping a house warm. Students are asked to calculate radiator sizes using area and formulas.
Driving Building Piles
This resource looks at positions of piles using coordinates. Students are asked to write the positions of piles for buildings and bridges. They are then asked to cost out installing these.
Floor Loads
This resource looks at some different formulas for weights on beams. Students are asked to use formulas to determine how thick beams need to be to support different weights. They are also asked to compare the cost of providing beams by different companies.
Construction and the Built Environment (Other sources of ideas)
A collection of resources which provide ideas and inspiration for teaching mathematics in the context of construction and the built environment. The resources included in this collection require some adaptation to make them appropriate for the particular audience.