One of the aspects that is covered in the drawing-to-scale lesson in middle school is map exploration. This aspect helps introduce students to the concept of drawing to scale by exploring maps. The lessons cover the various types of maps and how they can be used for scale drawing. Maps function as scale models for large areas. Large maps can be used to demonstrate scale measurements for varying distances. Students are required to calculate distances between map points. This is done by converting scale measurements to kilometers or miles. The maps can be explored in textbooks or through the Internet. Once the research is complete, students should be able to recreate state maps by coming up with some scale measurements.
After students have been taught ratio basics, they can come up with scale maps of the surroundings. During the middle school drawing-to-scale lessons, students can be divided into groups for the activities. Each group selects a specific classroom, school building section or hallway. The groups have to create maps of their designated areas. The maps have to be created to scale.
Students should be allowed to select scales to use during the exercise, but the instructor has to point out the disadvantage of selecting a ratio that is too big or small. The teacher also needs to demonstrate the best way to take measurements and translate them using ratio division. During the lessons, the student groups are required to present the map they have come up with to the rest of the class.
The drawings students produce during the lessons are evaluated to determine if the students have grasped the concepts and skills required for drawing to scale. During evaluation, marks are awarded to students based on their ability to record and evaluate measurements accurately. The points they get will also be determined by their ability to use the measurements they get to come up with precise drawings.