How far is it round the world?

Children love big numbers.

This investigation challenges them to use a globe to work out, using string, how far it is from one place to another.

To do that you will need some kind of globe scale...

The fact that the circumference of the earth is almost exactly 40,000km makes the whole thing a lot easier than you might expect!

You can build a 'backwards conversion table', starting with 40,000km, then 20,000km and 10,000km and then working out 1000km, 2000km etc.

Once you have these equivalences you can use them to find out any distance!

Have fun!

Ages 8-12    Printable materials (pdf) - 3 pages of teachers' notes and 7 pupil copymasters.