Section 2

Discover

Try This 1

Architects use a scaling ruler to directly calculate scale measurements. Click on Scale Rulers to download and print a file that contains two scale rulers.

For this activity you will need

• blank paper
• scale ruler page (from the file you just printed)
• straight edge or ruler
• pencil
• scissors
• tape

1. Cut out the scale ruler pieces and assemble them to make one big ruler. Attach the paper ruler to the straight edge or ruler using tape.
   
   
2. Using the ruler and the net of a rectangular prism, construct a model of the rectangular prism that is either half or double the original's size.
   
   Hint: If you are stuck, watch Using a Scale Ruler, a short animation on how to use a scale ruler to scale up or scale down.
   
   
   

Share 1

With a partner, or with a group of people, share your answers from Try This 1. Then discuss the following question:

• How does the scaling ruler help you scale an object up or down quickly?

If required, save a summary of your discussion in your course folder.