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...

Learners 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.

Learners 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...

Students develop a sense of the scale of our solar system by creating a one to ten billion scale model. They calculate the relative sizes and distances for the planets and asteroid belt using a guiding worksheet. To create the model they...

Young scholars watch a Cyberchase video to determine the importance of using the correct scale when making bar graphs. They examine how to use bar graphs to gain information easily. They determine how to use bar graphs persuasively.

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...

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

In this faults worksheet, students use an earthquake reference sheet to find the numbers for a modified Mercalli and Richter scale. They compare the San Andreas Fault zone and the New Madrid fault zone on the United States map. They...

Students place events in sequence and assign relative times to each event. They gain an understanding of relative and numerical time and become familiar with the methods used by scientists to develop the Geologic Time Scale.

For this scale drawing worksheet, students use the scale drawing of a building to calculate the length of two walls. They compute the amount of molding they must order (perimeter). Students calculate the area of the house to determine...

In this using tables worksheet, 9th graders solve and complete 10 various types of problems that include using tables to determine information. First, they write an equation to determine the total amount. Then, students define each of...

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.

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...

In this measuring speed in the universe worksheet, learners use photographs of 3 astronomical phenomena including supernova explosions, coronal mass ejections and solar flare shock waves to find how fast they move. The photographs show...

Students address a major misconception in astronomy, the understanding of scale. The lesson is designed to introduce students to both celestial coordinates and to the first rung on the distance determination ladder, parallax.

Make young mathematicians' dreams a reality with this fun drawing project. Given the task of designing their dream home, students create drawings and physical models that demonstrate their understanding of proportion and scale.

Young scholars calculate the surface area and volume of shapes. In this geometry instructional activity, students create different scales and calculate the volume and area for each shape. They compare and contrast between the different...

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...

Young scholars use Geometer's Sketchpad to examine the scale factor when in is applied to the length of a figure's sides. They look at how the scale factor affects the side lengths, perimeter, and area of the figure that result. They...

Can you follow a composition of transformations, or better yet construct them? Young mathematicians analyze the composition of dilations, examining both the scale factor and centers of dilations. They discover relationships for both...

For this dilations and similarity worksheet, 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 the...

Examine earthquake intensities and ways to measure an earthquake through the comparison of the Mercalli and Richter scales. After completing the pre-lab worksheet, fourth graders compare high and low intensity quakes by testing...

When van Leeuwenhoek saw cells and single-celled organisms for the first time, he knew these small things were a big deal! Share his discoveries with young learners through a narrated video, model-building activity, and scale study....

Teach your class to think outside the box. Scholars use the concept of equality to solve a problem in the assessment task. They determine how to use a scale to identify the one box out of a set of nine boxes that is heavier than the others.