Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Toilet Paper Solar System
Can we model how large the solar system really is? Attempt an astronomical feat with a hands-on-activity that uses a roll of toilet paper. Young scientists measure the distances of the planets from the sun to create a scale model of...
SeaWorld
How Big is a Blue?
Whales are all big, but some are larger than others! Kids will love sorting the 10 whale species by size at their desk (whale cut-outs provided). Next, use a whale rope to visualize how long each of these whales actually is. A large...
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Scale Drawings
Students discuss the importance of scaling drawings. In this math lesson, students create a scaled drawing of circuit boards. They explain why accuracy is very important when scaling.
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Landmark Restoration Project-Scale Model Measurements
Students work in cooperative groups to find the actual measurements of an historical building/landmark. Then they use ratio and proportion to figure the measurements that might be used to create a scale model of the structure.
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Tooling Around Arizona: Measuring Distances
In this measurement worksheet, student measure the distances between Arizona cities by using a the scale on an Arizona Cities map. Students complete 15 problems.
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Measurement Temperature: Celsius
For this Celsius worksheet, learners review the Celsius scale and then mark temperatures for the first thermometer. Students then study the temperatures on the thermometers and write the temperatures.
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Building a Scale Model
Third graders create a model of the solar system. In this solar system lesson, 3rd graders create a scale model of the solar system. Working in pairs students solve mathematical problems to correctly measure the distance each planet is...
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Mercalli Scale Illustrated
Young scholars study the Mercalli Scale and analyze how it is used to rate earthquakes. They construct a booklet with drawings that represent each rating of the scale. They study why engineers develop rating scales for earthquakes.
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The Beaufort Scale: A Local Model
Students study the Beaufort Scale and use it to study wind in their community. In this wind study instructional activity, students watch a DVD about climate change and learn about the Beaufort Scale. Students complete a worksheet for the...
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Measuring Ourselves
Fifth graders conduct various measurement activities on themselves and a partner. They measure their height, weight, thumb-to-pinky span, and body temperature, recording the information in the form of an Excel spreadsheet.
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Balancing the Scales: Understanding Ratios
Students are introduced to the concept of ratios. In groups, they convert sets of numbers into a ratio. After practicing, they use the ratios and proportions to solve story problems. They also calculate map distances and discover map...
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Beyahh!!!!!!! Measurement Word Search Puzzle
In this measurement word search puzzle worksheet, students locate 10 words that are included in a word bank at the bottom of the page. They find words such as length, weight, volume, and weight.
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Earthquake Power
In this earthquakes instructional activity, students learn about the measurements of earthquakes on the Richter scale. They answer six questions about the magnitudes and sizes of earthquakes using two tables of data about earthquakes and...
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One Size Fits All?
Students describe the differences between an estimate and a guess. They create reasonable estimates based on comparison and activities. Students explain how estimation is helpful in showing the relative size on a scale. They also...
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Making It Balance
Students listen to story, "The 100-Pound Problem," compare their weight with character in story, and weigh different classroom items using nonstandard units and standard units. They experiment with different items that can make scale...
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The Stained Glass Window
Students use centimeter rulers and the attached worksheet containing a scale drawing of a stained glass window. The actual measurements of the stained glass window are given, and students are asked to find the actual measurement of the...
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Set Design
Students explore proportional reasoning. In this middle school mathematics lesson students investigate scale drawings as they create a proportional representation for the carvings on Mt. Rushmore.
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Earthquakes Rock!
Young scholars study the main methods to measure earthquakes; the Richter Scale and Mercalli Scale. They make a model of a seismograph and investigate which structural designs are most likely to survive an earthquake.
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Right Place, Right Time
Fourth graders complete mathematical word problems. They study the relationships among distance, speed, and time; and measure travel distances. They measure distances using a piece of string and a ruler and practice converting several...
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Map Adventures
Students explore the relationship between a scale drawing and actual distance. In this mapping lesson, students use an amusement park map to determine distances and what they would be like in real life.
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Weight Game
Students estimate and compare grapefruit weights. In this weight measurement and literacy instructional activity, students listen to the story Nate's Big Hair and the Grapefruit in There, then estimate the weight of a grapefruit after...
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Bedroom Floor Plan
Students identify and compare the characteristics of floor plans and zoning to family activities and needs. They draw an accurate floor plan--either existing or a work in progress to scale. Then, students roughly sketch their bedroom...
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Mass: Applying and Interpreting
Learners rotate through six studying stations solving problems that involve applying and interpreting aspects of mass. They solve various word problems, and measure the contents of cans and calculate the mass of two cans.
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Voyage: A Journey through our Solar System
Students build the Voyage scale model of the Solar System on a playground and "travel" to each planet. They recognize that the Sun and planets are tiny worlds in a vast space, giving them a new perspective on the Solar System, and...