Scale Drawing {Mini-Project}

I LOVE this mini-project! I also love how it falls right before Christmas break to give the kids something to do during that "i-need-a-break" attitude that unfortunately accompanies any long break like Christmas or Summer.

Procedure:
- 1 class period (or longer if you want to extend)

Materials:
- Comic Strips
- Card stock paper
- Rulers

I use this little mini-project to set the stage for when I teach more indepth about scale factors (which in my case is the next class day). Here's the procedure:

1. Assign for homework the day or weekend prior to bring in a comic strip. I assign a homework grade for this, but also have extra comics on hand incase someone forgets theirs.

2. Have students choose ONE frame to cut out and to enlarge for their scale drawing. I don't tell students what we are doing with the frame though as I don't want them choosing "easy" ones out of fear that they can't do it.

3. Students will construct a grid by measuring quarter inch squares along the width and length of the original comic. Remind them to use a RULER!!!

4. Tape or glue the comic to the upper left hand corner of the piece of card stock. This will be your "key" for checking.

5. Label the length and width with the number of boxes. Then create another box that is the same length and width, only using inches. i.e. if your original comic was 5 boxes long, then your neq box will be five inches long.  Mark off at every inch creating a similar grid out of inch squares.

6. Instruct students to then begin to COPY each box into the corresponding box of the larger grid. Remind them to use pencil for this.

7. Once complete, students will outline in black marker and then erase all pencil marks.

8. Color the comic as it is in the original.

9. Label the scale factor at the bottom. Laminate and set out for others to enjoy your talented students!

I love this project because it not only brings in the mathematical aspect, but it gives my students a confidence boost. Even if they think they cannot draw, at the end they see their finished project and it looks awesome!!!

Enjoy and share with your teacher friends! :)