Printable learning mission · Grades 4–6 · Free
🛝 Design a Playground
You have $1,000. Choose what to buy, draw your playground and share your design.
One three-page student pack to download and print.
What kids will do
Bring a pencil. Work through the pages in order, then share what you made.
Adult guideTips, a sample plan and a quick review checklist
One mission, three student sheets. Print the student pack, bring a pencil and ruler, then choose, draw and explain. Allow two or three short sessions; adjust for your learners.
Support younger learners with the budget. Older learners can calculate the optional discount: 2 × $200 = $400; the deal saves $100; $400 − $100 = $300. The deal is a choice, not a requirement.
A sample solution—not the only solution
Hopscotch $180 + 2 benches × $50 + one game table $200 + sign $60 = $540. Money left: $460. Add one $150 cover: new total $690, with $310 left.
In the 18 × 20 activity area beside the entrance route, try hopscotch at bottom-right (2 × 4), two benches at top-right (3 × 2 each), and game table at top-left (3 × 3). Keep gaps between them and the left-hand route open. This illustrates placement, not certified safety clearances.
Trail example: 40 boxes × $2 = $80. Adding this to the sample costs $620; with one $150 cover, the total is $770 and $230 remains. Forty connected boxes can make a winding path through the playground. Count each occupied box once. Do not charge for the shaded entrance route.
Another workable budget: 3 swings × $50 + 2 slides × $50 + 3 benches × $50 + 60 trail boxes × $2 = $520. With one $150 cover, total $670; $330 remains. Draw three separate 3×4 swing spaces, two 4×5 slide spaces and three 3×2 bench spaces. They fit in the 18×20 activity area: swings side by side along the bottom, slides side by side near the top, benches to the right, with gaps and a connected 60-box trail through the open spaces. These are classroom footprints, not equipment safety specifications.
Quick review
| Look for | Ready | Revisit |
|---|---|---|
| An active and a quiet choice. | □ | □ |
| Costs include $2 × unique trail boxes when chosen; at least $100 remains after the surprise. | □ | □ |
| Each swing, slide and bench is counted at $50 and drawn separately; both game tables are drawn if the deal is chosen. | □ | □ |
| Items fit the 20×20 grid; any paid trail uses touching boxes and its box count matches its cost; routes stay clear. | □ | □ |
| The child explains who the design helps and a thoughtful choice. | □ | □ |
Accept different designs with sound reasoning. Ask users what helps them participate; do not assume a clear entrance alone makes every activity accessible.
Optional extra challenges
Finished? Choose one extra challenge. Use spare paper.
🪙 Smaller budget
Try an $800 budget. Keep $100. What would you change?
📐 Same items, new design
Draw a second arrangement. Which keeps active and quiet areas better separated? Explain.
🤝 Design with a friend
Ask a friend what would help them join in. Improve one part of your plan, then recheck the cost and space.