The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
So, How Do You See It?
A Lesson on Scale & Proportion
How do you see it?
A Lesson on
Scale & Proportion
A 5th grade STEM lesson
Theme Song: I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash
Notes for teachers
Notes
Getting Started:
Science Standards
5.MD.C Geometric measurement: Understand concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and to addition.
5.MD.C.3 Recognize volume as an attribute of solid figures and understand concepts of volume measurement. a. A cube with side length 1 unit, called a “unit cube,” is said to have “one cubic unit” of volume, and can be used to measure volume. b. A solid figure which can be packed without gaps or overlaps using n unit cubes is said to have a volume of n cubic units.
Science and Engineering Practices
Math Standards
5.NF.A Use equivalent fractions to add and subtract fractions.
5.NF.A.1 Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators (e.g., 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12).
5.NF.A.2 Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators by using a variety of representations, equations, and visual models to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers (e.g. recognize an incorrect
Read Aloud
Objectives
Lesson/Agenda
CCC3: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Mr. Anderson provides a thorough overview on the CCC 3 from NGSS in the link above.
from NGSS Appendix G - Crosscutting Concepts
Students recognize natural objects and observable phenomena exist from the very small to the immensely large. They use standard units to measure and describe physical quantities such as weight, time, temperature, and volume.
Upon completion of watching the video links on:
The Wonder of Science.
Additional resources and activities are given in the following slides.
Terms for Scale & Proportion
Scale, Proportion & Quantity - Lesson 3 - Scale Models — The Wonder of Science
Natural objects exist from the very small to the immensely large. Phenomena that can be observed at one scale may not be observable at another scale. The significance of a phenomenon is dependent on the scale, proportion, and quantity at which it occurs.
TERMS
Agenda (lesson time)
This could be approached as a one day 30-45 minute lesson using Mr. Anderson’s video on scaling, or could be used as a week long lesson on scale.
Using multiple days to teach scaling of various topics such as time, space, temperature, speed and so on.
Hands-on Technology Instructions
Go to NetLogo Web
3. In the drop-down menu at the top of the page choose the model you want to simulated.
4. Click on the “Set-Up” button
5. Then click on “Go”
6. The graphs will loop with the real time data as you watch the simulation taking place.
Bringing It All Together
Assessment
This is a fabulous rubric that provides detailed descriptions for aiding in determining if a student is achieving mastery.
The Wonder of Science website provides “Single Point Rubrics” that accompany the lesson. They provide information that can be turned into questions to check for understanding as well as create a summative assessment.
Differentiation
See the World Differently - Look Twice
This a throwback from the Reader’s Digest. It was a regular feature in their magazines at one point. This is a great way of showing scale from both perspectives- larger to smaller or visa versa.
Remediation
Not Sure What I’m Seeing…
This can either be an individual activity or a game.
Differentiation
Termespheres
Understanding 6 Point Perspective | Termesphere Online Gallery
Definitely a difficult concept, however, some students may enjoy the concept and be up for a challenge. Regardless of the age or skill level, a worthy resource to explore if time allows.