Scale Drawings: Finding Actual and Scale Distances
Shared by A STEM Educator★ Featured Teacher · rated 90+ in our quality review
Students will apply scale factors to find actual distances and scale distances, and interpret scale drawings using proportional reasoning (NGLS 7.G.1).
Lesson Overview
Students progress from reading a scale to finding actual distances, then to finding scale distances, and finally to creating and critiquing scale relationships. Each task changes only one variable to build deep understanding of proportional reasoning with scale.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or chart paper
- Dry-erase markers
- Rulers (one per group)
- Pencils
Scaffolded Task Progression
On the map, the distance from the office to the gym measures 3 cm.
What is the actual distance from the office to the gym?
[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
Now the map shows the distance from the library to the cafeteria is 7 cm.
What is the actual distance?
Then: The distance from the gym to the parking lot is 11 cm on the map. What is the actual distance?
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