Faculty of Design

Industrial Design

Noor Razvi

Marie The Maker

Marie the Maker is an activity that helps to improve math skills for elementary school students. Using provided instructions students make a model of furniture out of a paper template which they can then use to solve math problems. For example the student makes a desk for the doll using the pattern that corresponds to the question. After they calculate the perimeter of the desk, the correct answer will correspond with the model they made which will increase understanding of geometry.The Cozy desk: With the use of round shapes and soft felt material this desk puts the user in a state of focus.Please view PDF for more details and watch the demo video linked below.

“Math is woven into many aspects of the world around us. In my view, mathematics functions as a foundational language that helps structure everyday activities, systems, and decisions.However, at the elementary school level, some students may feel that they struggle with math. They may lack confidence in understanding lessons or in recognizing how math applies to daily life, even when they are trying their best.This raises the question of whether some students are not being reached through the current teaching methods used in education. I believe many students can better understand math when it is presented in ways that align with their learning needs.This is where my designed learning activity, Marie the Marker, can help. By using easy-to-build models and written instructions to arrive at mathematically correct solutions, the activity may support students in developing a stronger understanding of geometry and mathematics.As an industrial designer, I was inspired by the processes of prototyping and ideation. This activity may also encourage students to become interested in design, while helping them build spatial reasoning and measurement skills.”