California Academy of Science
How Big is Big?
In a math or life science class, "mini-me" models are created with cardstock to reflect a 1:10 scale of students' bodies. Learners measure each others' heights with meter sticks, and then reduce the size by 10. After this exercise, they...
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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...
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Pocket Solar System
Motivate your class with this instructional activity. Learners explore the solar system and practice working with fractions using this resource. They construct scale models of our solar system, and use fractions to correctly configure...
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Zipping Through Our Solar System and Beyond
Launch your class on an exploration of the solar system. Learners construct solar system models to scale and get a better understanding of our place in the vast void of space. This is a great way for them to cement their understanding of...
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Dimensions of the Solar System
A set of instructions that help learners draw concentric orbital arcs to scale of each planet. There is a table to complete with data and questions to check understanding of realistic orbits and relative sizes.
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It's All About Scale
Sixth graders investigate scale models of toys. For this scale models of toys lesson, 6th graders bring in toys from home to measure. Students discuss scale and what scale is used with their toys. Students determine the life size...
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Scaling Down, Scaling Up
Students understand the meaning of scale and calculate various problems related to Cyberchase videos. In this scaling lesson, students measure a Proporciona boat using blades of grass. Students calculate dimensions based on a scale for...
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Galaxies to Scale
In this scales and galaxies worksheet, students solve 7 problems including finding the size of galaxies in comparison to other galaxies and drawing scale models of the given galaxies to show their relative sizes and shapes.
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Voyage of Discovery
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...
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If These Walls Could Speak...
Students examine the relationship between history, the use of a given space, and its design. They research the relationship between technology and design while exploring a variety of sources. They study what scale models are and how to...
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Let's Go Golfing
Students bring their visions for golf courses to life. In this scale model lesson plan, students research golf courses online, plan golf courses on grid paper, and then create scale models of the courses they planned.
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How'd They Do That?
Learners research the movie production occupation and careers in the industry. In this movie careers and effects lesson, students watch a video about special effects used in movies and scale. Learners draw a building to a specific scale...
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History of Our Solar System Time Line
Ninth graders explore the concept of ratios. In this ratio lesson, 9th graders construct a to scale time line that starts at the beginning of time. Students determine the correct placement of big events in time such as when the dinosaurs...
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Math - Design a Ship
Students design a ship. They calculate square footage and draw their ship to scale. They build models of their ships.
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Castles
Students create a scale model to a castle using the dimensions they were given. They calculate the surface areas and volumes of each section of their castle.