Maths In Jobs
Be a junior model maker for a day maths challenge
An imaginative role-play challenge where children use scale, measurement, shapes and precision like a real model maker.
Quick answer
You can be a junior model maker for a day by using maths to plan, measure, and build small models of real things like houses, cars, or castles – all with the help of scale, shapes, and precision.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how to use maths to design and build a small model using scale, shapes, and measurements – just like a real model maker. Success signs:- You can explain what scale means in building models
- You can measure and draw simple shapes for your model
- You can use real-life examples to plan a small model
- You can work out how much of something you need for your model
Why this matters
Being a model maker is a job where you use lots of maths every day. You need to measure things, make sure shapes fit together, and work out how much of something you need – all using maths. Whether you're building a model car, a house, or even a spaceship, you use scale to make sure everything fits together properly. This helps you become good at maths and understand how it works in the real world.How it works
Model makers use maths to make things smaller but still the same shape. This is called scale. Here's how it works:- First, you decide what real thing you want to make a model of (like a house or car).
- Then, you decide how much smaller you want your model to be (like 1:10 or 1:50 scale).
- You measure the real thing and then make your model smaller using that scale.
- You use shapes to build your model – like rectangles for walls, triangles for roofs, and circles for wheels.
- You check your model to make sure it looks like the real thing and fits together properly.
Examples you can see
Let’s imagine you want to build a model of your bedroom. Here’s how you can use maths: Step 1: Measure your bedroom Your bedroom is 4 metres long and 3 metres wide. You decide to make a model at 1:10 scale, which means everything in your model is 10 times smaller. Step 2: Work out the scale To make your model, you divide the real size by 10:- Real length: 4 metres = 400 cm
- Model length: 400 cm ÷ 10 = 40 cm
- Real width: 3 metres = 300 cm
- Model width: 300 cm ÷ 10 = 30 cm
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: Build a Model Castle You are a junior model maker and your job is to build a small model castle for a royal party. You have 30 minutes to plan and build your model. Step 1: Decide what to build You choose to make a model of a castle with a tower, a wall, and a gate. Step 2: Choose your scale You decide to use 1:20 scale. This means everything is 20 times smaller than the real castle. Step 3: Measure the real castle The real castle tower is 10 metres tall. The gate is 3 metres wide. Step 4: Work out the model sizes- Tower height: 10 metres = 1,000 cm → 1,000 ÷ 20 = 50 cm
- Gate width: 3 metres = 300 cm → 300 ÷ 20 = 15 cm
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Forgetting to use the same scale for all parts of the model.
Why it happens: Children may measure one part and forget to use the same scale for another part.
Fix: Always remember to divide all real measurements by the same number (your scale). - Mistake: Drawing shapes that don’t match the real thing.
Why it happens: Children might draw a square for a window when it should be a rectangle.
Fix: Look at the real object and match the shape carefully. - Mistake: Not using the right units (like cm instead of m).
Why it happens: Children might mix up metres and centimetres.
Fix: Always write the unit (like cm or m) next to your measurement.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:- Encouraging them to measure real objects and then make a smaller model of them.
- Using everyday items like boxes, blocks, or paper to build models together.
- Asking questions like, “How much smaller do you think this model should be?” or “What shape is this part?”
- Helping them check their work to make sure everything fits together.
- Practising scale by using a simple example like 1:5 scale (every 5 cm in real life becomes 1 cm in the model).
Practice questions
- What is scale in model making?
- If a real car is 4 metres long and you use a 1:10 scale, how long is your model car?
- How do you find the size of a model using a 1:5 scale?
- What shapes would you use to build a model of a house?
- Why is it important to use the same scale for all parts of a model?
- Scale is how much smaller or larger a model is compared to the real thing.
- 4 metres = 400 cm → 400 ÷ 10 = 40 cm
- You divide the real measurement by the scale number (e.g., 100 cm ÷ 5 = 20 cm).
- Rectangles for walls, triangles for roofs, squares for windows.
- To make sure everything fits together properly and looks like the real thing.
FAQ
What is a model maker?
A model maker is someone who builds small versions of real things, like cars, buildings, or animals, using materials like wood, plastic, or clay.
Why do model makers use maths?
Model makers use maths to make sure their models are the right size, shape, and fit together correctly. They use scale, measurement, and shapes to make accurate models.
Can I be a model maker when I grow up?
Yes! You can become an engineer, architect, or designer who uses maths to build things. Model making is a fun way to start learning these skills.
What materials do I need to build a model?
You can use blocks, paper, cardboard, glue, and rulers. Any everyday materials can work for building models.
How can I practice model making at home?
You can make a model of your bedroom, a toy, or even a pet. Use a ruler to measure and draw your model using shapes.