Lesson 1: Using Mathematical Models/Proportions In this lesson,
students learn how an equation works like a scale with the equal
sign serving as the balancing point, as well as how scale keeps
a map's distances in proportion to real-world areas depicted on
a map. - Students will understand that an equation works like a
scale with the equal sign serving as the balancing point; that
the equal sign means "is the same as" rather than "the answer to
the problem is"; that, like balancing weight on a scale, what is
done to one side of an equation must be done to the other. -
Students will understand how scale keeps a map's distances in
proportion to real-world areas depicted in the map; use a map's
scale and coordinates to calculate distance; identify the
variables in the formula d = r · t; and manipulate the formula
to solve for variables. - Balance scale with weights (drawings
on the board will also suffice) - Map (e.g., world, state, etc.)
with longitude/latitude and/or coordinates, and a key including
scale - Wo