What is a blueprint?

A blueprint is an engineering or technical drawing.

Years ago, blueprints were actually blue because of how they were copied onto light sensitive paper. Now many blueprints are created on computers and will even be three dimensional.

Student Success

Exploring a blueprint

When might a blueprint need to be used? Who would use a blueprint?

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Explore the blueprints below. Can you figure out what each blueprint is for? What do you notice are the features of a blueprint?

1. A roller coaster blueprint contains an outline of the track, the entrance location, the height of the roller coaster, and a detailed view of the crisscross interlocking wooden beams/support structures. The height of the drops, length of curves or dips are also labelled and indicated.

2. A gaming controller blueprint outlines the size, and shape of the controller, as well as the button location and size. The blueprint uses lines and arrows to label each button and component.

3. A blueprint of a swing set at a playground contains specific details and numbers which label the height, and length of the swing set. The type of wood is also labelled, and centimeters are used to label the thickness of the wood. The blueprint contains other measurements of where the support beams are located. The blueprint also indicates the number of swings and type of seat being used.

4. A school yard blueprint contains details such as size of yard, plants, location, and shape of the concrete and grass area. It contains details which indicate location of play structures, gardens, and trees. The blueprint contains measurements using meters, yards, or centimeters in order to describe the accurate location of various items in the playground.

5. Interactive blueprints help to identify the structure of a building using a 3D model. This helps to understand where each component will fit together in the structure. Measurements are also included in order to identify height, length, width, depth, or other important details.

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Features of a blueprint

Blueprints are texts that contain three major features: drawings, dimensions, and notes. A drawing is created to show how the object, structure, or space would appear from different perspectives. The dimensions are labeled to show how large or small the object, structure, or space will be. Any other notes on the blueprint lets the reader know other important information about the object, structure, or space.

Create your own!

Using the blueprints in the Minds On and Action sections as guides, create a blueprint of an item you would like to build. The checklist will help you through the process.

Build it!

Using the blueprint you just created, build your item using any materials you have in your learning space.

Once you have completed your item, reflect on the following questions:

• How could an incorrect scale impact the blueprint or final build of the item?
• What were the most important features of your blueprint? Why?
• Are there any features you would add to the blueprint to develop a deeper understanding?

Who uses blueprints?

Create a list of different examples of objects, structures, and spaces that would require a blueprint. What kinds of professions would require you to use and understand blueprints?

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

I have an excellent understanding of the concepts I have a very good understanding of the concepts I have some understanding but need to review some more my understanding of the concepts needs a lot more work

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.