Compare sizes of microscopic items. Given a set of labels of microscopic objects, pupils try to place them in order from smallest to largest. Scholars then compare their lists to the actual comparisons along with the measurements of the...

Ocean explorers or mathematicians research the wreck of the CSS H.L. Hunley. They investigate the actual dimensions of the Hunley using math and measuring skills. Afterward, they sketch a large scale drawing of the submarine outdoors on...

See how design and geometry go hand in hand. The activity asks learners to use geometry to design a backyard garden given dimensions of each feature. Scholars work with ratios and scale to develop an accurate scale drawing that includes...

Learners measure the actual size and distance of the solar system using scale and ratio. They watch and discuss a video, create a distance-scale solar system model, and compare the scale sizes of planets to their actual sizes.

Students explain how to make pictures larger using a grid system by transferring scales images from 1/2 -1 inch to 6 inches - 1 foot. They create life-size scale drawings of ocean life studied in class using a grid system.

Students measure a sculpture of a human and measure other students. They determine the average size of humans and create a life size image of the sculpture. They work with percentages as they create the images.

How does your class measure up? Young scientists create a scale drawing of the JOIDES Resolution in a collaborative activity. The lesson incorporates mathematical principles with deep-sea exploration to focus on enhancing measurement...

To take the longest path, go around—or was that go over? Class members measure scale drawings of a cylindrical vase to find the height and diameter. They calculate the actual height and circumference and determine which is larger.  

Kids compare what printed text looks like with the naked eye and under magnification. They discuss the extremely small scale that must be used to measure the size. They learn about the micrometer unit, then draw scale models of a variety...

Young scholars problem solve to calculate the number of times various listed objects could fit onto Tacoma Narrows Bridge. They create a scale drawing of the listed objects in comparison to the bridge.

Students create 3-D models of Lake Benthos. In this scale drawing lesson, students create a 3-D model of Lake Benthos. Students work in groups to create the models. Students use the models to to encourage people to conserve natural...

Sixth graders investigate scale models of toys.  In this scale models of toys lesson, 6th graders bring in toys from home to measure.  Students discuss scale and what scale is used with their toys.  Students determine the...

Look at life from a bug's perspective, and create a wonderful image based on what you think it sees. Learners use the crayon resist painting technique to draw and paint and picture of a bug's world from its point of view. Tip: This would...

Learners determine the length of different whales using a rope marked off and color coded to each length. They create life-size scale drawings of whales on butcher paper.

Middle schoolers explore coordinates and scale drawings. In this drawing to scale lesson, students discuss symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, geometric, shapes and estimation of size.  Middle schoolers recreate a portion of a...

Students compare the lengths of whales using different lengths of rope. They illustrate one whale in life-size proportion.

Students map local places and learn to use scale and distance.  For this mapping lesson, students map their school and a favorite place.  Students recreate their maps showing distance and scale sizes. Students locate their...

Create larger-than-life insects for the classroom. Bugs are usually pretty small, but during the Jurassic period they were huge. Kids use diagramming and scale conversion to enlarge a modern day insect so that it is as big as its ancient...

Young mathematicians work to recognize the relationship between their scale models of the Joides research vessel and the real vessel. They calculate the relationships between various parts of the ship using fractions, ratios, and...

Students practice their drawing skills. In this drawing skills lesson, students complete a self-observation drawing activity and then 3 methods of figure drawing.

Don't let your eyes play tricks on you ... use scale to keep your eyes in check! Young scholars observe images without scale and try to identify the structure. Then, they look at the same image with a scale bar and assess whether their...

Scaling needs to be picture perfect. Pupils use proportional reasoning to find the missing dimension of a photo. Class members determine the sizes of paper needed for two configurations of pictures in the short assessment task.

Students draw a ship to scale, and calculate the real life size. They show that measurements on the drawingsare annotated with the distances reported in inches (fractions and decimals), and their real-world equivalents

Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the concept of similarity. This takes higher order thinking skills and being able to separate into categories. Specifically in this lesson they are introduced to the scale and how it is...