Maps and Scales

Using real maps can get children really engaged in work on scale and you'll find that they will achieve far more than they would if working from a text book.

If you use real maps you also get real-world numbers. But don't be scared of these! The children can handle them if you teach them the strategy of 'try a simpler case'.

This investigation looks at how to work out real distances between places, based on measured distances on the map.

The secret is to build conversion tables, starting with 1cm, 2cm and so on, and then moving to larger numbers.

This cuts out the need for complicated multiplication sums and 'makes sense' to the children.

If you load up the online pattern builder, you then have an automatic checking system, and the pupils can be let loose on a whole range of different measurements of their choice, which they can convert and mark as they go along.

You can use the same approach for investigating speeds.

Ages 8-12    Printable materials (pdf) - 2 pages of teachers' notes and 7 pupil copymasters.