Scale Drawings

The Grade 7 standard that involves scale drawings is an application of  proportional reasoning while it also sets the stage for similarity addressed in Grade 8 (CCSS 8.G.A.4). The following lesson contains a team project that requires students to generate scale drawings of a bedroom and selected furnishings in their assigned floor plan. Students collaborate as a team to determine an appropriate scale that can be easily used by all members and produce drawings appropriate for display on their team poster. And they have tons of creative fun in the midst of the critical thinking required for task completion. Resources are included for scaffolding as needed.

7.G.A.1 Resources

This activity set highlights Common Core State Standard 7.G.A.1 included in MATH-7.

Cross Sections

When introducing cross sections, it may be difficult for students to visualize the polygon that is formed by slicing a solid. Consider this interactive investigation for slicing a cube as a launch for the concept of cross sections from Annenburg Learner.

Source: Learner.org 

Then allow students to investigate cross sections of multiple solids through a Play-Doh Cross Sections Lab Activity. Materials needed include play-doh, paper plates, dental floss, plastic knife, and ruler. In teams of four, each student constructs two of the solids listed on the record sheet. When the team finishes building models with the specified cross sections, use the All Write RoundRobin structure to share discoveries and complete the record sheet. Follow-up with the to check for understanding.

7.G.A.3 Resources

This activity set highlights Common Core State Standard 7.G.A.3 included in MATH-7.