Making Maths
Maths hiding in making things: model making scale
Compare a model with a real object using simple scale ideas.
Quick answer
Maths hiding in making things: model making scale is about comparing a small model with a real object using simple scale ratios, like 1:10 or 1:100. This helps you understand how much smaller or bigger things can be while keeping the same shape.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how to use scale to compare a model with a real object and know how to make a simple model using a scale ratio. Success signs:- You can explain what scale means in simple words
- You can compare a real object with a model using a scale ratio
- You can make a simple model using a scale of 1:2 or 1:5
- You can solve simple problems about scale in everyday life
Why this matters
Scale is used everywhere when making models, buildings, toys, and even in games. When you build with LEGO or make a model car, you're using scale. It helps you understand how big or small things are in relation to each other. In real life, architects use scale to design houses, and engineers use it to build bridges. Understanding scale helps you solve problems like: "How big will this model be if I make it 1:10 of the real thing?"How it works
Scale is a way to show how much smaller or bigger a model is compared to the real object. It's written as a ratio, like 1:10. This means:- 1 unit on the model = 10 units on the real object
- So if your model car is 1 cm long, the real car is 10 cm long
- Or if your model house is 2 cm tall, the real house is 20 cm tall
- Choose a scale (like 1:5 or 1:10)
- Measure the real object
- Divide the real size by the scale number
- Make your model using the smaller size
Examples you can see
Let's imagine you want to make a model of your bedroom. Your bedroom is 4 metres long and 3 metres wide. If you use a scale of 1:10:- Real bedroom: 4 metres long
- Model bedroom: 4 metres ÷ 10 = 0.4 metres = 40 cm long
- Real bedroom: 3 metres wide
- Model bedroom: 3 metres ÷ 10 = 0.3 metres = 30 cm wide
| Real Size | Scale 1:10 | Model Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4 metres | ÷ 10 | 0.4 metres = 40 cm |
| 3 metres | ÷ 10 | 0.3 metres = 30 cm |
| 2 metres | ÷ 10 | 0.2 metres = 20 cm |
- Real pitch: 100 metres
- Model pitch: 100 metres ÷ 25 = 4 metres
Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you're a city planner building a model city! You have a real park that is 50 metres long and 30 metres wide. You want to make a model of it using a scale of 1:5.- Real park: 50 metres long
- Model park: 50 ÷ 5 = 10 metres long
- Real park: 30 metres wide
- Model park: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 metres wide
- 4th time: Your model is 10 metres long and 6 metres wide
- 5th time: You need to make a 10 cm × 6 cm model using a scale of 1:100
- 6th time: What would happen if you used a scale of 1:200 instead?
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Forgetting to divide by the scale number
Why it happens: Children think the model should be bigger, not smaller.
Fix: Remember that models are always smaller, so you divide by the scale number. - Mistake: Mixing up the scale ratio
Why it happens: Confusing which number is the model and which is the real object.
Fix: Always check if 1:10 means 1 unit on model = 10 units on real object. - Mistake: Not using the same units
Why it happens: Mixing centimetres and metres without converting.
Fix: Convert everything to the same unit before dividing. - Mistake: Thinking scale is about size only
Why it happens: Not understanding that shape stays the same.
Fix: Remember that scale keeps the same proportions, just smaller or larger.
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help by:- Encouraging children to think about scale when they play with toys or build with blocks
- Using everyday objects to practice scale: "If this car is 1:10 of the real car, how big would it be?"
- Using measuring tools like rulers or metre sticks to measure real objects
- Practising division with simple scale problems
- Creating a simple scale model together, like a house or car
- Looking for examples of scale in real life: maps, model trains, toy cars, or architecture
- Choose a real object (like a book or desk)
- Measure its length and width
- Choose a scale (like 1:5 or 1:10)
- Calculate the model size
- Draw or build the model
Practice questions
- Real object is 20 cm long. Using a scale of 1:4, how long is the model?
- Real object is 100 cm wide. Using a scale of 1:20, how wide is the model?
- Real object is 30 metres long. Using a scale of 1:6, how long is the model?
- Real object is 45 metres wide. Using a scale of 1:9, how wide is the model?
- Real object is 50 cm long. Using a scale of 1:50, how long is the model?
- 20 ÷ 4 = 5 cm
- 100 ÷ 20 = 5 cm
- 30 ÷ 6 = 5 metres
- 45 ÷ 9 = 5 metres
- 50 ÷ 50 = 1 cm
FAQ
What is scale in model making?
Scale is a ratio that shows how much smaller or bigger a model is compared to the real object. For example, 1:10 means 1 unit on the model equals 10 units on the real object.
How do you calculate model size?
To find the model size, measure the real object and divide by the scale number. For example, if the real object is 20 cm and the scale is 1:5, the model is 20 ÷ 5 = 4 cm.
Why do we use scale?
We use scale to make it easier to show big things in small spaces, like on a map or in a model. It helps us understand how things look when they are much bigger or smaller.
Can you give me some real-life examples of scale?
Yes! Maps use scale, model cars use scale, LEGO sets use scale, and architects use scale when designing buildings.
How can I practice scale at home?
You can measure your toys, books, or furniture and make models using different scales. Try making a 1:2 model of your desk or a 1:10 model of your bedroom.