Sophia: Comparing Objects to Scale Models

Explore the meaning of scale in relation to actual size through this activity. Young mathematicians examine scale models and determine their relationship to each other. They also find perimeter and area of each model.

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.

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...

Take mathematics to the hoop! Pairs first measure the linear distances on a basketball court. Using those measurements, they determine the scale lengths to create a scaled model. To finish the activity, learners create models of the...

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. 

In this scales and galaxies worksheet, high schoolers 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.

In this thought-provoking video, Sal shows how a typical linear scale is different from a logarithmic scale. He plots numbers on both scales and compares them to show why the logarithmic scale is useful. This video gives an intuitive...

This video tutorial describes how to compare objects to scale models using an equation. [4:03]

Try your hand at scale models. Scholars create a scale model of an object using a scale factor of their choice. As part of the project, they give presentations on their processes and calculations. This is the last installment of the...

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.