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Monster Scale Drawings
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By definition, a scale drawing is an enlarged or reduced drawing of an object. By looking at a scale drawing of an object, one can determine its actual size. Scale drawings can be useful for a wide variety of applications. One of the most common uses for scale drawings is on maps. By drawing a map to scale, one can calculate the distance between any 2 points. Scale drawings are also useful for determining the size of very small objects. For instance, when looking at a drawing of a human cell, the drawing is always drawn larger than the actual size of the cell. While I have only listed a few of the ways in which scale drawings are utilized, the applications are indeed numerous.
One thing that all scale drawings have in common, no matter what size they are, is that somewhere on the drawing a scale can be found. The scale is a key that converts one unit of measurement to another. The most common units being converted are inches and centimeters. For example, a road map might state that 1 inch = 6 miles. Thus, for each inch you travel on the map to get to your destination, you will have to travel 6 miles in real life.
For the Scale Drawing Monsters Project, students are asked to create their own original monster. On a piece of white, 8.5" x 11" sized piece of paper, they are to draw their monster and pick a scale for them. While students have the choice of making their monsters to whatever scale they choose, they rarely choose to go smaller. Once the monster is drawn and the scale is put on the paper, students fill out a short biography for the monster that is as follows:
Name:
Age
Sex:
Weight:
How it Gets Around/Moves:
Place of Dwelling:
Food it Enjoys:
How it was Created:
Upon completion of the monsters, students are encouraged to trade their drawings with other students and determine the actual sizes of the monsters, based on the scales put on the papers. Depending on the kind of monster, other aspects besides height may be figured out, including: toe length, arm length, eye size, etc.
To view some Scale Drawing Monsters from our class, click here.
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