National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Scale Factor
Does doubling mean everything doubles? Learners adjust the scale factor between two rectangles. Using the calculated measurements, pupils investigate the ratios between the lengths, perimeters, and areas of the rectangles.
EngageNY
Scale Factors
Is it bigger, or is it smaller—or maybe it's the same size? Individuals learn to describe enlargements and reductions and quantify the result. Lesson five in the series connects the creation of a dilated image to the result. Pupils...
Curated OER
Proportions and Scale Factor for Measurement
Learners explore the concept of proportion. In this proportion lesson, students use google maps to find the distance the their school is from home. Learners discuss what a scale factor is through teacher led discussion. Students...
PBS
KidVid: Scaling Up Rectangles
Tip the scale in your favor when learning about scale factors. After viewing a video clip of a learner trying to determine the scale factor of the areas of two rectangles, scholars consider how changing the dimensions of a rectangle...
Curated OER
Geometry: Area, Scale Factor, Circumference
In this geometry worksheet, students solve 10 problems regarding area, scale factors, and circumference. Students, in 3 of the problems, are given the circumference and asked to work backwards to find missing information.
PBS
KidVid: Fractions and Scale
Scale the challenge of learning about ratios and scales. Young mathematicians learn to incorporate fractional measurements when considering scales and scale factors. They use an interactive to investigate the concept and critically...
Teach Engineering
Scale Model Project
Try your hand at scale models. Scholars create a scale model of an object using a scale factor of their choice. As part of the project, they give presentations on their processes and calculations. This is the last installment of the...
Curated OER
Scale Factor Area Perimeter
Mathematicians compare triangles at different scales. In this geometry lesson, students calculate the area and perimeter of triangles. They use the Ti to make observation of the change that takes place as the triangles are dilated.
Curated OER
Measure: Bearings and Scale Drawings
Young mathematicians practice measuring acurately with a protractor. They convert measurements using a scale factor, then translate the new information into diagrams. This instructional activity should be a hit in that it's mostly...
Balanced Assessment
Scale Charts
Develop scales using tables. Pupils complete charts to show equivalent scale factors before using the completed tables to determine the sizes of scale drawings. They finish the lesson and demonstrate their understanding by completing a...
Curated OER
Understanding Proportions and Scale Drawings
Proportions are ratios found using multiplication or division. Middle schoolers solve measurement problems, find a figure's missing dimension, and find the distance between two points. Resource features four lesson plans with detailed...
Curated OER
Scale factors: Ratios and Proportions
Students create building and models using scale factors. In this geometry lesson, students apply the properties of ratio and proportion to solve problems. They identify the means and extremes property of cross multiplication.
Curated OER
Solve for Scale Factors Using Proportions
Eighth graders solve problems using proportions with scaled drawings. They work with maps and blue-prints discussing scales and plans and examine different polygons and figure out the scale factors or proportions they have been changed by.
Curated OER
Scale Factors
In this scale factors worksheet, 6th graders solve 10 different problems that include types of scale factors. First, they determine the missing dimensions in each problem. Then, students round their responses to the nearest tenth before...
Curated OER
Super Size It, Please!
Pupils take photos from a given distance and determine the height of the person using a scale factor. Pupils calculate the ratio of student actual height to student photo height. They take pictures from 3 different distances to see if...
Journey Through the Universe
A Scale Model Solar System
Between the time scientists discovered Pluto and reclassified it as a dwarf planet, it did not even make one full revolution around the sun. In two activities, scholars investigate scale models and their properties. Pupils find that it...
Curated OER
Dilations and Similarity
In this dilations and similarity instructional activity, pupils solve 10 different problems that include various dilations. First, they determine the scale factor of dilations found in the illustrated graphs. Then, everyone determines...
Radford University
How do I Create a Scaled Model of a Full-Sized Basketball Court?
Take mathematics to the hoop! Pairs first measure the linear distances on a basketball court. Using those measurements, they determine the scale lengths to create a scaled model. To finish the activity, learners create models of the...
Curated OER
Exploring Similarity Using Scale Drawings
Learners explore scale factor as they create a scale drawing of a box, then determine the surface area and volume of the original and the scale drawing. The one page worksheet contains activities and procedures with four questions.
PBS
Human Tree: Ratios
Create a personal tree. By visiting an exhibit at the National Museum of Mathematics, the resource introduces the idea of fractals. The exhibit takes an image of the person and creates a tree by repeating scaled images on the shoulders...
Curated OER
The Attack of the Manhole Monsters
Students explore the concept of similarity. They examine such topics as ratio of corresponding sides, internal ratios and scaling factors. After watching a video, student groups perform experiments outside the school building.
EngageNY
Making Scale Drawings Using the Ratio Method
Is that drawn to scale? Capture the artistry of geometry using the ratio method to create dilations. Mathematicians use a center and ratio to create a scaled drawing. They then use a ruler and protractor to verify measurements.
EngageNY
Comparing the Ratio Method with the Parallel Method
Can you prove it? Lead your class through the development of the Side Splitter Theorem through proofs. Individuals connect the ratio and parallel method of dilation through an exploration of two proofs. After completing the proofs,...
Illustrative Mathematics
Sand Under the Swing Set
Help the local elementary school fix their playground by calculating the amount of sand needed near the swing set. The problem practices setting up proportions and ratios with three different options for solving. You can chose the option...