Create a word problem using two different forms of measurement. The problem should force a student to reason through proportion to arrive at the answer. For example: John is six boards tall and Cindy is four stars tall. If 1/2 star equals one board, how many boards tall is Cindy?
Set up a visual component to the problem. Draw out the stars and boards next to each figure so that students can see the proportion with their own eyes.
Print out the word problem and the visual representation. Distribute one to each student.
Run through an example problem with the students. Let them try it out loud as you draw it up on the board.
Allow them to try it on their own. Discuss their answers after they are finished. Show them how to set up a proportion and to use multiplicative reasoning if they don't already know how.
Incorporate a physical version of the problem for students who are struggling. Use dolls to represent the characters and blocks or other items to represent the proportions.