Dilations, Scale Factors, and Scale Drawings

Introduction

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As a hook, ask students why understanding dilations, scale factors, and scale drawings is important in real life. Refer to the last page of the guided notes for ideas.

Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce dilations and scale factors. Walk through the key points of these topics to teach, such as explaining what dilation is and how scale factors relate to dilations. Then, have students fill in the guided notes portion stating what happens when the scale factor is less than 1 (reduction), equal to 1 (no change) and more than 1 (enlargement). Allow students to color & have some fun as they take notes!

Then, move to the bottom portion of the first page of the guided notes and model how to find dilated coordinates, as well as graphing dilated figures. Based on student responses, reteach concepts that students need extra help with. If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels, you can pull out students for reteaching. Have students fill out the fun fact portion of the notes.

Then, use page 2 of the guided notes to teach scale factors. Model one example of how to calculate scale factors and then have students try the rest.

Practice

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Have students practice dilations, scale factors, scale drawings, and similar figures using pages 3-4 of the guided notes. There is an included color by number and maze activity to make the practice fun! Walk around the classroom to answer any student questions and provide guidance as needed.

Real-Life Application

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Bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of real-life applications of dilations, scale factors, and scale drawings. Explain to the students that these mathematical concepts have practical uses in various fields, such as architecture, engineering, and graphic design. Use the last page of the guided notes to have students read about how scale factors is used in mapmaking.

Ask the students to brainstorm different real-world scenarios where dilations, scale factors, and scale drawings are used. Encourage them to think about situations where it is necessary to change the size of an object or image while maintaining its proportions. Some examples could include:

• Architectural blueprints: Architects use scale drawings to represent large buildings on a smaller scale. By using a scale factor, they can create detailed plans that accurately represent the different components and measurements of the building.
• Maps: Cartographers use dilations and scale factors to create maps that represent large areas on a smaller scale. This allows people to navigate different areas and understand the relative distances between locations.
• Engineering designs: Engineers use dilations and scale factors to design and construct various structures, such as bridges and skyscrapers. By creating scaled models, engineers can test the structural integrity and ensure that the final product will be safe and functional.

Refer to the FAQ section on the teaching resource for more ideas on how to teach real-life applications of dilations, scale factors, and scale drawings.

Additional Self-Checking Digital Practice

If you’re looking for digital practice for dilations, scale factors, and scale drawings, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.

Here are are some activities to explore:

• Similar Figures Digital Pixel Art | Scale Factors, Map Scale Drawings (Winter Themed)
• Dilation Digital Pixel Art | Scale Factor, Transformations (St. Patrick's Day Themed)

Additional Print Practice

A fun, no-prep way to practice dilations, scale factors, and scale drawings is Doodle Math — they’re a fresh take on color by number or color by code. It includes multiple levels of practice, perfect for a review day or sub plan.

Here is an activity to try:

• Scale Drawings Doodle & Color by Number Worksheets

Real-Life Math Project

A fun way to wrap this lesson with your students is with one of my real-life math projects. They enable students to see the application of math in an engaging, extended project. Students create scale drawings of different Minecraft characters. Minecraft is a popular video game in middle school!

• Scale Drawing Activity | Minecraft | Scale Factors

This activity is NOT AN OFFICIAL MINECRAFT PRODUCT. NOT APPROVED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG.