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...

After examining how a spring scale works, teams work together to design their own general measurement device. Reading material provides background information, but there is no part of the procedure in which learners handle an actual...

If Earth is modeled by a grapefruit, what planet could be represented by a golf ball? This activity uses everyday and not-so-everyday objects to create a model of the Solar System.

Slide into a lesson on proportions. A slider interactive lets users adjust three of the four values in a proportion and automatically updates the fourth value. Scholars use the interactive to help answer a set of challenge questions on...

Investigate the complexities of design problems using geometric concepts. The task asks scholars to design a fence for a horse based on the distance it can travel within one hour. It is a seemingly simple task — until individuals learn...

Students 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.

Examine ratio and scale through coordinate geometry. Scholars use two diagrams of different scale to calculate perimeter and area. Then, individuals use the perimeters and areas to find ratios.

We can't build our dream house yet, but we can definitely build a model. Scholars use floor plans to build models of their dream homes. Cardboard is as good as any material for this purpose.

There's more than one way to solve an equation — three, actually. Scholars learn how to solve simple linear equations in one variable using three different methods, which include using balance scales, using decomposition (e.g., turning...

Capture the engagement of young mathematicians with this upper-elementary math lesson on measuring time and distance. Using Google Maps, students first measure and compare the distance and time it takes to travel between different...

Learners play instruments in math class to learn the interconnectedness between math and music. In this math lesson, students subdivide a piece of music, clapping rhythms and charting rhythm patterns in the song. A guided discussion...

The 12th lesson in a series of 20 opens with a demonstration of exponential functions using pasta. This concept is connected to the Richter Scale, which is also an exponential function. Scholars compare the exponential scale that...

With so many math standards to fit into a school year, it can be difficult keeping track of what you have and have not covered. This collection of Common Core checklists allows you to maintain a running record of when each...

As Mia and RJ discuss measurement, your class is introduced to the customary and metric systems for measuring mass, capacity, weight, and length. Temperature scales are also introduced. This resource can help set the foundation for later...

Real-life math is really great! In groups, learners measure objects in the classroom. After comparing measurements, they determine a scale and create a blueprint of the classroom. They discuss the purpose of using scale drawings in...

Students calculate actual building measurements from a village map using concepts of ratios and scale in this ten lesson mini-unit. They practice measuring angles, multiplying decimals, estimating height and length, and converting metric...

Investigate the use of ratios in scale drawings. Learners scale objects up or down using ratios then find the actual size of something using ratios. They apply their knowledge of ratios as they make their own telescopes in science...

Just how big is Earth's moon? With a hands-on simulation, scholars use Play-Doh to model the sizes of the planets Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and their moons. They make predictions as a class, work together to make their models, and discuss...

Explore mathematics by analyzing images. As they view pictures on the SMART Board, individuals must write corresponding algebraic equations. They utilize models to visualize the math expressions.

Scaling is a practical skill as well as a topic to be addressed throughout the Common Core math standards. You are given three different presentations and a detailed teacher's guide to use while teaching proportion, as well as practice...

Let's play ball! A great springtime activity to learn about ratios. This activity challenges learners to draw stadiums to scale on standard letter paper and also on construction paper. This three-day lesson includes a pre-assessment...

Dilations from the origin have a multiplicative effect on the coordinates of a point. Pupils use the method of finding the image of a point on a ray after a dilation to find a short cut. Classmates determine the short cut of being...

With instructions to adapt the activities for any grade K-12, any teacher can incorporate the concept of scale into the classroom with a simple, yet effective lesson.

Converting units is an excellent example of how math relates to our everyday tasks. The resource prompts mathematicians to use baking, cooking, and other daily activities to discover how to make larger quantities of...