Math Relationships: Scale Model Building Project
Students build scale models of objects of their choice. In class they measure the original object and pick a scale, deciding either to scale it up or scale it down. Then they create the models at home. Students give two presentations along the way, one after their calculations are done, and another after the models are completed. They learn how engineers use scale models in their designs of structures, products and systems. Two student worksheets as well as rubrics for project and presentation expectations and grading are provided.
Different scale models of four chairs.Copyright 2006 Wikimedia Commons CC BY–SA 3.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scale_for_Nancy.jpg
Engineers use scale models in many different aspects of their work. Architectural engineers fabricate scale models of the buildings they are designing to see how sunlight affects the space or to show to clients. Engineers often use scale models when prototyping projects that would otherwise be too large or costly to test for functionality. Often, the results of testing done on scale models can be applied to full-size models, making it more economical to begin large engineering projects with scale model testing. Scale models are commonly used in wind tunnels for airfoil designs that are later scaled up for full-size aircraft.
Scale models involve mathematics and proportions.Copyright 2016 Whitehouse (Instagram posting 12/10/2016)
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain how scale models are used in real life.
- Create an accurate scale model using the mathematical tools provided in the associated lesson.
- Describe how engineers use scale models in the design of products, structures and systems.