Teaching Scale Factor and Similar Figures - Math Activity Ideas

Written By Math Down Under

 Are you teaching Scale Factor and need some activity ideas? This is the post for you! A scale factor is a number that multiples some quantity. For example, doubling the length of a picture frame that is 3.5 inches long corresponds to a scale factor of 2 (2 x 3.5 = 7).

* Come up with a scenario that involves something familiar to the student. An example could be drawing their bedroom to scale for a set of blueprints. Allow your students to practice measuring the dimensions of your classroom, then demonstrate how to make a scale drawing. 

* Have student's present their scale drawing of their bedroom to the class as a project!

* Give student examples of blueprints, maps, and scale drawings. Ask them to find the actual measures. Find the area of the scale drawing and compare it to the area of the actual measures. Are they the same? Does changing the scale factor affect the actual area?

* Prepare problems where students need to identify the scale factor being used. 

* Here are my favorite resources for scale factor, scale drawings, and similar figures:






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