Incredible Shrinking Shapes

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners get hands-on experience with ratios and scaling while making their own jewelry out of recycled plastic containers. Learners will practice measuring area and volume as well as calculating ratios. This activity should be conducted in a well-ventilated area. The lesson guide contains detailed tips for leaders including background information about the math and science concepts related to this activity.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • toaster oven or standard oven
  • cookie sheet or aluminum foil
  • spatula
  • pot holder
  • polystyrene (recyclable number 6) plastic
  • fine-tipped permanent markers, preferably in assorted colors
  • hole punchers
  • scissors
  • metric rulers
  • calculators
  • copies of Incredible Shrinking Shapes Data Sheet and Grid paper
  • clothespins or binder clips (optional)
  • scale (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
    • Number and Operations
      • Exponents
      • Fractions
      • Multiples and Factors
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2003