Scaled Paper Model House

The Ratio and Proportion Unit gets kicked off with a Paper Model House Challenge. In this challenge students are to measure the dimensions of a house, apply a ratio and build it to scale. For groupings we allow individuals to use a 1:2 ratio, groups of 2 to use 1:4, and groups of 3 to use 1:6 to balance out the work load. In addition to building the exterior structure, design elements are also required. 4 exterior design elements and 2 interior design elements are to be cut out and attached to their Paper model scene. Once kids are engaged with the design elements, they naturally want to extend their design by adding color to make their scene look more realistic.
This project is a great hands-on approach to introducing math in art and allowing students to see the extension for how ratios are used in real life!