LEGO Games scale models maths mission

Quick answer

By building LEGO scale models and solving maths problems, you can learn how to use scale to make smaller or larger versions of real things, like buildings, cars, or castles.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use scale to work out how big or small a LEGO model should be compared to the real thing.

• You can explain what scale means in simple words
• You can solve simple scale problems using multiplication or division
• You can build a small LEGO model that matches a real-life object using scale
• You can use scale to compare sizes of real and model objects

Why this matters

Scale is used in many real-world situations, not just LEGO! Architects use scale to draw buildings, engineers use it to make models, and even video game designers use scale to make characters and worlds that fit on a screen. When you play with LEGO games or build your own creations, you are already using scale!

Understanding scale helps you think about how things look when they are bigger or smaller. It’s useful for art, science, design, and even games. When you know how to use scale, you can make better plans, build better models, and solve puzzles more easily.

How it works

Scale is a way to compare sizes. It tells us how much smaller or bigger something is compared to the real object. For example, if we say a model is made at a scale of 1:10, that means 1 unit on the model equals 10 units on the real object.

Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Decide the scale: Choose how much smaller or bigger you want your model to be.
2. Measure the real object: Find the real size of the object you want to model.
3. Use multiplication or division: To make a smaller model, divide the real size by the scale number. To make a bigger model, multiply.
4. Build your model: Use your calculations to make your LEGO model.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you want to build a LEGO model of a real car. You decide to use a scale of 1:12. This means 1 LEGO brick represents 12 real bricks in the car.

Let’s say the real car is 480 cm long. To find the model size:

• Divide the real size by the scale number: 480 ÷ 12 = 40
• Your LEGO car will be 40 LEGO bricks long.

Another example: You want to build a model of a castle. The real castle is 240 cm wide. You use a scale of 1:20.

• 240 ÷ 20 = 12
• Your model will be 12 LEGO bricks wide.

You can also do it the other way around. If you know your model is 10 bricks wide and the scale is 1:10, then the real object is:

• 10 × 10 = 100 cm wide

Try it as a mini adventure

LEGO Scale Mission: Build Your Own Castle!

You are a LEGO architect on a mission to build a model castle for a new game. Your castle must be 1:20 scale to match the game’s world. You have a real castle that is 300 cm wide and 180 cm tall.

Step 1: Decide how wide your model castle should be.

• Real width = 300 cm
• Scale = 1:20
• Model width = 300 ÷ 20 = ?

Step 2: Decide how tall your model castle should be.

• Real height = 180 cm
• Scale = 1:20
• Model height = 180 ÷ 20 = ?

Step 3: Build your castle using LEGO bricks to match these measurements.

Step 4: Draw a picture of your model castle and label the real and model sizes.

Great job! You’ve completed your LEGO scale mission!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Forgetting to divide when making a model smaller.
• Why it happens: Children often think that making something smaller means multiplying.
• Fix: Remember: smaller = divide, bigger = multiply.

• Mistake: Mixing up the scale numbers.
• Why it happens: Scale 1:10 and 10:1 can be confusing.
• Fix: 1:10 means 1 unit on model = 10 units on real object. 10:1 means 10 units on model = 1 unit on real object.

• Mistake: Not checking if the answer makes sense.
• Why it happens: Children may calculate a number that is too big or too small.
• Fix: Ask yourself: “Does this model make sense for the real object?”

Parent and carer guide

Help your child understand scale by using everyday objects. For example, ask them to make a model of their bedroom using 1:10 scale. Measure the room and then divide by 10 to find the model size. This makes the idea of scale more concrete.

Ask questions like:

• “How much smaller is your model?”
• “What happens if we use a 1:5 scale instead?”
• “Can you show me how you worked out the answer?”

Don’t worry if they make a mistake — that’s part of learning. Encourage them to try again and explain their thinking. It’s helpful to use LEGO bricks or drawing to show the scale.

If they get stuck, remind them to check if their answer is sensible. For example, if they are making a small car, it should not be bigger than a real car!

Practice questions

1. Real car is 360 cm long. Model scale is 1:12. How long is the model?
2. Real tree is 120 cm tall. Model scale is 1:10. How tall is the model?
3. Model house is 8 bricks tall. Scale is 1:8. How tall is the real house?
4. Real bridge is 400 cm wide. Model scale is 1:20. How wide is the model?
5. Model ship is 15 bricks long. Scale is 1:5. How long is the real ship?

Answers:

1. 360 ÷ 12 = 30 bricks
2. 120 ÷ 10 = 12 bricks
3. 8 × 8 = 64 cm
4. 400 ÷ 20 = 20 bricks
5. 15 × 5 = 75 cm

FAQ

What is scale in maths?

Scale is a way to compare sizes. It tells us how much bigger or smaller a model is compared to the real object.

How do I know if I should multiply or divide?

If you are making a model smaller, divide. If you are making a model bigger, multiply.

Can I use scale for anything other than LEGO?

Yes! Scale is used in maps, drawings, architecture, and even video games.

What does 1:10 scale mean?

It means 1 unit on the model equals 10 units on the real object.

Why is learning scale useful?

Scale helps you plan, build, and understand how things look when they are bigger or smaller. It’s used in many jobs and hobbies.