Scale It Down
In this hands-on challenge, you'll apply proportional reasoning to design and build a miniature scale model of a piece of furniture from your home. You'll practice careful measurement and problem-solving to create a perfectly proportioned small-scale replica.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will apply proportional reasoning to scale down real-world objects, accurately measure dimensions and choose an appropriate scale and construct a 3D model based on scaled measurements.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Discuss scale models and their purpose.
- Move on when Student engages with the concept of scale models and understands their purpose.
Photo by Ramon Karolan on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Choose a piece of furniture to model.
- Discuss necessary measurements for the furniture.
- Consider how to keep proportions correct.
- Move on when Student has chosen a piece of furniture and articulated a plan for measuring it and understanding a 'scale' concept.
Photo by Matias Luge on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Discuss the chosen furniture and initial measurements.
- Explain what a 'scale factor' is.
- Determine how to apply a consistent scale.
- Move on when Student can explain how to choose and apply a consistent scale (e.g., 1:10) to all dimensions.
Photo by Katerina Holmes on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Gather the necessary materials.
- Measure and mark cardboard using scaled dimensions.
- Cut out the miniature furniture pieces.
- Assemble the pieces into a 3D model.
- Compare the model to the real furniture.
- Move on when Student has completed the physical activity of building their scale model.
Photo by Blackcurrant Great on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Discuss the model and what was learned.
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway from the lesson and connects it to real-world applications.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Personalize The Spark
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