Inside Mathematics
Hopewell Geometry
The Hopewell people of the central Ohio Valley used right triangles in the construction of earthworks. Pupils use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine missing dimensions of right triangles used by the Hopewell people. The assessment task...
Bowland
In or Out? ... What's Your Decision?
Young mathematicians use photos and video clips to determine if a cricket player is "in" or "out." This analysis occurs using scale factors, distance-rate-time formula, and consideration of precision and accuracy.
EngageNY
Matrix Notation Encompasses New Transformations!
Class members make a real connection to matrices in the 25th part of a series of 32 by looking at the identity matrix and making the connection to the multiplicative identity in the real numbers. Pupils explore different matrices and...
Balanced Assessment
Modern Building
Turn your pupils into emerging architects with a resource that asks learners to analyze a scale drawing of a building. They use the scale drawing to interpret the size of the actual building before recreating the drawing using a...
Balanced Assessment
How Big is Big?
Now you can create your own monster movie. Learners estimate the size of a scale model monster given comparison statements and analyze these estimates to determine if the scale model accurately portrays a lizard.
California Mathematics Project
Model Solar System
The sun's diameter is 864,337 miles—challenge learners to create a scale model of the solar system that fits in your classroom. Scholars make conversions and work with scientific notation as they create the scale model.
Teach Engineering
Using Map Scales to Figure Distances and Areas
The asteroid is getting closer and the question is whether the state of Alabraska is large enough for the shelter calculated in the previous activity. Teams determine the scale of their project and then use the scale on the map to...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Photographs
Picture your pupils using this assessment task. Class members must first determine the measurements of smaller copies of photographs placed next to the original. They then determine the dimensions of the entire sheet of photographs.
Teach Engineering
An Inflated Impression of Mars
Help your class understand the magnitude of the distance between Earth and Mars with an activity that asks small groups to use balloons to create scale models of the Earth, Moon, and Mars. Class members figure out the distances between...
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...
NASA
Oh, Chute!
Using a scare model of the a test vehicle developed by the Systems Architecture and Integration Office at NASA, groups determine the dimensions for a scale model of the parachute compartment. The groups also determine the volume of the...
EngageNY
How Do Dilations Map Angles?
The key to understanding is making connections. Scholars explore angle dilations using properties of parallel lines. At completion, pupils prove that angles of a dilation preserve their original measure.
EngageNY
Making Scale Drawings Using the Parallel Method
How many ways can you create a dilation? Many! Individuals strengthen their understanding of dilations by using various methods to create them. The new technique builds on pupils' understanding of the ratio method. Using the ratio,...
EngageNY
Scale Drawings
Are you searching for a purpose for geometric constructions? Use an engaging approach to explore dilations. Scholars create dilations using a construction method of their choice. As they build their constructed dilation, they strengthen...
EngageNY
Mid-Module Assessment Task - Geometry (Module 2)
Challenge: create an assessment that features higher level thinking from beginning to end. A ready-made test assesses knowledge of dilations using performance tasks. Every question requires a developed written response.
EngageNY
Dilations from Different Centers
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 and...
EngageNY
How Do Dilations Map Lines, Rays, and Circles?
Applying a learned technique to a new type of problem is an important skill in mathematics. The lesson asks scholars to apply their understanding to analyze dilations of different figures. They make conjectures and conclusions to...
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...
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
How Do Dilations Map Segments?
Do you view proofs as an essential geometric skill? The resource builds on an understanding of dilations by proving the Dilation Theorem of Segments. Pupils learn to question and verify rather than make assumptions.
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,...
Skills Workshop
Ratio, Scale, and Proportion
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 each ratio or recipe.
Massachusetts Department of Education
Similarity through Transformations
Create the ultimate miniature golf course. The 93-page model curriculum unit from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education contains nine lessons on understanding similarity in terms of both Euclidean geometry...
Indian Institute of Technology
Could King Kong Exist?
The title says it all: Could King Kong exist? Investigate how increasing the dimensions of an object affects its surface area and volume to mathematically conclude whether a creature with the weight and height of King Kong could actually...