Halloween multiplication and division activity
Scaling activity to change the size of items
Scale is the process of altering the size of an object or drawing in relation to its actual size. In engineering, scaled down drawings are often used to represent larger objects, such as in the design of buildings. This allows for convenience in the design process, as the actual size of the object is not required. By applying mathematical knowledge and solving problems involving scale factors, we can manipulate scaled-up or scaled-down drawings.
In this fun STEM activity for KS2, students will learn how to change the scale of items, by doubling or halving the size and drawing them to a new scale. This is an engaging and practical exercise through which students will gain a deeper understanding of multiplication and division and how they are useful methods to change the scale of items.
Activity: Halloween Multiplication and Division Activity
This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on the use of multiplication and division in the context of scaling an item to either double or half its size.
This versatile activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners how to work out scale or to reinforce understanding of multiplication and division. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on the use of maths to understand ratio and proportion. Additionally, it could support the development of drawing skills in art.
This is a Halloween-themed exercise that could be done as individuals or in pairs. Students will first use a grid to scale up a drawing of a pumpkin into a larger grid. Once this is completed, students will scale down a drawing of a ghost into a smaller grid. By utilising multiplication and division, students will gain valuable skills in the scaling of items.
How long will this activity take?
This activity will take approximately 40-60 minutes to complete.
Tools/resources required
- Halloween Multiplication and Division Activity… Worksheets
- Pencils
- Erasers
The engineering context
Structural engineers work with architects to help design most houses, hospitals, office blocks, bridges, oil rigs, ships and aircraft. They make scaled down drawings for each structure.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity students will know how multiplication can be used to work out scale, they will be able to scale drawings back to their original size by either scaling up or scaling down and they will be able to solve simple problems in scaling contexts i.e., 2 times larger or 2 times smaller.
Download the free Halloween Multiplication and Division activity sheet below!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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