Lesson Title:

Grade(s):
Topics:

Tara Jarvie
LM 6190
Collaborative Lesson Plan Assignment
Rates, Proportions, and Research to create scale models
6th and 7th
Proportional Reasoning,
Scales, Research, Speaking
and Presentation.

Subjects:
Lesson
Duration:

Math and Media

60 minutes or 2 30 minute library
visits

Lesson Objectives
American Association of School Librarian Standards:
2.1.3 Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real
world situations, and further investigations.
3.1.2 Participate and collaborate as members of a social and intellectual network of learners
Utah Core 6th Grade Math
Standard 6.RP.3
Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world (with a context) and mathematical (void of context)
problems, using strategies such as reasoning about tables of equivalent ratios, tape diagrams, double
number line diagrams, or equations involving unit rate problems.
Utah Core 6th Grade Language Arts
Speaking and Listening Standard 4
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and
details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear
pronunciation.

Anticipatory Set
Display the solar system as pictured on page 8 of IfA Mind Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas
and Numbers, by David J. Smith
Ask students to discuss what it may represent Let them talk among groups and come up with ideas.
Ask groups to share ideas.
Materials/Equipment
Smith, D. J. (2014). If ...: A mind-bending new way of looking at big ideas and numbers. (S. & Adams,
illus.). Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press.
Balls: Ping-Pong ball, tennis ball, golf ball, yoga ball, beach ball, basketball, and soccer ball
Cheat Sheet reviewing solving proportions: This would need to be provided by the Math Department to
ensure it is phrased or presented in the same way it was taught.
Art supplies, Drawing Paper (white paper), Rulers, Glue, Tape
Computers or similar technology.
Summary Of Tasks

First Library Session

Read: IfA Mind Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers, by David J. Smith
Pause frequently for discussion and exploration of the math involved in creating the scale model.
Background Knowledge: Students will need to understand surface area for building their scale model.
Students will need to have a basic understanding of solving proportions.
Students will work in groups to use create a scale model of animals using proportions.
Assign student to collaborative groups. They will need to find a famous building and build a scale model
of the building. Research templates provided need to list all measurements needed to construct model:
Name of Building
Where it is located
Height of building
Width of building
Length of building.
**Hand In to use next week***
Second Library Session
Use this example
Next students need to decide on their scale. The Empire State Buildings roof is 1250 feet high a scale
factor of 50 would still make the model 25 inches tall so maybe 100feet:1Inch would be a better scale.
Give students 5 Minutes to determine their scale and recalculate the measurements for their buildings.
Students should be able to do this without a calculator. Allow them to round to the nearest 0.5 inch if
needed.

Name of Building
Where it is located
SCALE Ratio
Actual Height

Scale Height

Height of building
Width of building
Length of building.
Have students trade with other groups to check the Math. After work is checked by another group
students will begin to construct their scale 3D mode.
Closure: Have groups present their models and display them as part of a scale city in the library.

Assessment

Assessment of AASL standards will be a peer review of collaborative work effort as well as observations.
Curriculum assessment will be based the accuracy of their math and the construction of their model.
Differentiation
Accelerated Math students will be able to choose their own topics to research and create their own
scale models. Due to the complexity of the models many will want/need to work on them at home.
Websites for brainstorming student selected topics can be found in the back of the book If
Students who struggle will be given the math problems written out so they can solve them with help.
The most difficult part of this project is writing the proportions that need to be solved. Additionally
students will be supported in collaborative groups.
http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/asset/mket_int_sizeorama/
References
Smith, D. J. (2014). If ...: A mind-bending new way of looking at big ideas and numbers. (S. &
Adams, illus.). Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press.