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Notes for teachers

*Using Google Maps, an instructor needs to screenshot a picture of an area outside on their campus. We then need to copy that image into a free software like Canva or Figma to draw outlines of the space being measured by students. That final outline needs to be exported and pasted into a Word Document to make a worksheet.otes

Google Maps*
Outline of desired space
Tape measures or rulers
Paper and pencils for drawing the model
Optional: construction paper, scissors, glue, and other craft materials for making 3D models

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Standards

6.NS.B.3: Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.

7.NS.A.1: Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number line diagram.

8.EE.A.3: Use numbers expressed in scientific notation to solve problems.

Standards

MS-LS2-5 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics �Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.*

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Objectives:

Students will measure a courtyard using appropriate tools and techniques.

Students will calculate the measurements of the courtyard using a 1:20 scale.

Students will practice effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through group work and discussion.

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Agenda (50 minute class period)

This lesson is designed for a 50-minute class period.

It is possible that this lesson needs to be broken into two sections

Prep time (10-15 minutes)

Introduction (5 minutes)

Activity (35 minutes)

Conclusion (10 minutes)

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

Explain to the students that they will be measuring and creating a scale model of a courtyard in this lesson. Explain that we are doing this in order to make a small replica of the court yard so that we can use manipulative pieces to plan out our larger courtyard and garden space.�

Take students outside to observe the courtyard. Ask: What did you notice about the size and shape of the court yard? What features do you see?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Divide the teams into groups of 2-3. Give each group a measuring tape and a printout of the outline of the courtyard.�
Instruct the students to measure the length and width of the court yard, using appropriate tools and units of measurement. They will also need to measure any other portions of the courtyard that are relevant to the overall size and shape. Stick with one unit of measure for this activity (example: inches).�
Have students record their measurements on their paper. Double check their measurements before the second activity.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Introduce the concept of scale and explain that a scale model is a smaller version of the real object, but with all the same proportions.�
Explain that we will be using a scale of 1:20. Say: Every one inch on our model represents 20 inches outside. If my scale courtyard has a side of 10 inches, that means in the real courtyard the side is 200 inches! If my scale model has a side of 15 inches, what is the length of the side in the courtyard? Give more examples if needed.�
Instruct the students to use a ruler and the measurements they took earlier to create a scale model of the court yard on their paper. They can find this by dividing the courtyard measurements by 20.�
Once the students have found the measurements, instruct them to color the scale drawing and add in any other features such as trees, lampposts, benches, etc.

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Closure

Have students evaluate their scale model and compare it to the real courtyard.�
Ask students to identify any differences or areas where they need to make adjustments.�
Encourage students to make necessary �changes to their scale model and discuss how these changes affect the accuracy of the model.

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Assessment

Suppose we want to change the scale for our model. We decide the scale is now 1:5. If you measured the garden bed to be 70 inches x 20 inches, what would the scaled garden bed dimensions be?

2) We are looking at a model of a building that measures 10 inches by 3 inches. If we know the scale is 1:20, how can we figure out the dimensions of the real building? Write your process in a step-by-step format, then solve.�

3) Why might we need to create a scale model of a larger object? �

4) Based on how you felt during this activity, think of three questions you can ask that can help you understand scaling better.

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Differentiation

Use visuals and manipulatives: Utilize visual aids, such as diagrams or pictures, to help struggling students visualize the concept of scaling. Additionally, provide manipulatives, such as small objects or blocks, that students can use to physically demonstrate the concept of scaling.

Simplify the measurements: If students are having difficulty with the precise measurements, you can modify the activity by using simpler measurements. For example, you can have them work with rounded measurements or whole numbers instead of decimals or fractions.

Provide templates: Offer templates or pre-drawn grids to help struggling students organize their measurements and scale models. This can provide them with a structured framework to work with and alleviate any potential confusion.

Offer additional examples and explanations: Provide extra examples and explanations of how to convert measurements to a scale model. Use clear, step-by-step instructions and provide visual representations to aid comprehension.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Increase complexity: Offer advanced students the opportunity to work with more complex measurements or objects. For example, instead of measuring simple shapes, they can measure irregular or multi-dimensional objects within the garden space. This can help them apply their skills in a more challenging context.

Explore alternative scales: Encourage advanced students to explore and experiment with different scales other than the 1:20 scale. They can choose scales such as 1:10 or 1:50, and then compare and contrast the impact of different scales on the final scale models. This will require them to think critically and make informed decisions.