Mathematics / Year 9 / Measurement and Geometry / Geometric reasoning

Curriculum content descriptions

Solve problems using ratio and scale factors in similar figures (ACMMG221)

Elaborations
  • establishing the relationship between areas of similar figures and the ratio of corresponding sides (scale factor)
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Numeracy Numeracy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and creative thinking
ScOT terms

Ratios,  Scale (Proportions),  Similarity (Geometry)

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reSolve: Tree Biomass

In this sequence of two lessons, students investigate how many trees would be required to supply paper for their school for a year. Students use similar triangles, Pythagoras' Theorem and algebra to design and construct a Biltmore stick, used to measure the diameter and height of a tree. They measure trees, calculate their ...

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reSolve: Pythagoras' Theorem - Phone finding

This lesson challenges students to apply Pythagoras' Theorem to explore a practical real-world problem. Students explore technology reliant on mathematical concepts. The lesson is outlined in detail including curriculum links, vocabulary, materials needed, sample answers, discussion points and student resources such as ...

Video

MathXplosion, Ep 50: How to use a tetrahedron to solve the tree problem

How can you place four trees exactly the same distance apart from one other? By making a model! By using miniature trees to make a model of the problem, it becomes clear that a 2D solution is impossible. We learn how objects can help us visualise the problem situation, which in this case requires a 3D solution: a tetrahedron.

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reSolve: Mathematical modelling: The steepest slopes on Baldwin St

In this sequence of three lessons, students measure and represent steepness in multiple ways, connect gradient to tangent, and consider how mathematical information is communicated to real audiences; using the context of Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street. Key learning goals, pedagogical tools and design ...

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reSolve: Mathematical modelling: Playing with fire

In this sequence of five lessons, students use mathematical modelling to determine when two small towns should evacuate in response to an approaching bushfire. Drawing on data from real and simulated fires in dry eucalypt forests, they investigate how weather conditions and topography influence the forward rate of spread. ...

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Digital tectonics

This set of learning activities challenges students to use accessible digital technologies and hands-on engineering to measure simulated seismic vibrations, analyse and present data, and determine criteria for the design of earthquake tolerant buildings. The module includes a comprehensive teacher guide, curriculum links, ...

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Amp up the volume

This set of learning activities challenges students to build a portable amplifier that passively amplifies the sound produced by a smartphone. The module includes a comprehensive teacher guide, curriculum links, materials lists, design process guides and printable student resource sheets. The resource also provides an editable ...

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Proportion, Graphs and Equations - Calculate

This unit challenges students to identify and describe everyday examples of ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ proportion. They learn to recognise direct and inverse proportion from graphs, distinguish between positive and negative gradients and use the equation y = kx to model direct linear proportion.

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A Little Atmosphere

This activity invites students to model the scaled thickness of the atmosphere on a globe using sheets of transparency material. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.

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Introduction to trigonometry

These lesson plans guide the teacher on how to introduce trigonometry to students through an investigation of similar triangles.

Downloadable

Different ways to pay

This lesson challenges students to explore the pros and cons of various payment options, how they spend their money, different consumer products and where to go for more information about saving money and debt. During the lesson, students investigate multiple payment options to choose those that suit their circumstances, ...

Downloadable

The cost of cars

This lesson is designed for students to learn about car ownership in Australia and the real costs of buying and running a car. Students explore car ownership statistics in Australia, investigate the range of decisions people make about transport, calculate and compare costs of transport and make decisions on additional ...

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Moving out of home

This lesson explores costs and responsibilities associated with moving out of home and setting up living arrangements. The resource is part of a suite of lesson plans and activities from MoneySmart, designed to bring everyday financial topics into the classroom.

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Mathematics of bushfire

In these classroom activities students will be introduced to some of the basic mathematical principles that underpin wildfire science, with an emphasis on how theoretical concepts are used to aid our understanding of the real world, and bushfire in particular. They will learn about the complexities of the fire management ...

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reSolve: Rectilinear Polygons

In this sequence of three lessons, students use geometric reasoning to establish relationships between angles in polygons and go on to make generalisations using algebraic expressions. Students explore and enumerate right angles in a series of rectilinear polygons and generalise their findings. They then explore the number ...

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reSolve: Mechanical Linkages: Similar Triangles

This sequence of lessons explores the geometry of similar triangles using two real world objects: ironing boards and pantographs. In the first lesson, students investigate different ironing board leg lengths and pivot positions using similar and congruent triangles. In the second lesson, they use their knowledge of parallelogram ...

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reSolve: Monte Carlo Simulations

This sequence of two lessons explores how statistical techniques that rely on randomly generated data can be used to solve problems. In the first lesson, students compare different methods for calculating the area of an irregular shape, using the context of oil spill maps. They are introduced to the Monte Carlo method for ...

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reSolve: Gradient and Tangent

This sequence of two lessons investigates gradient and angle by applying the tangent ratio to find the angles represented by a road sign or the angle of a street. In the first lesson, students research what a road grade is and determine the actual angle of a road given its grade. They then construct their own road sign ...

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reSolve: Pythagoras' Theorem - Lunch Lap

In this sequence of two lessons, students apply Pythagoras' Theorem to explore a practical problem involving optimising paths to lunch carts. In the first lesson, students investigate the length of a path that touches three sides of a rectangle, starting and finishing at the same point. They model the problem, use Pythagoras' ...

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reSolve: Real World Algebra: Linear Functions

This sequence of two lessons explores real world, algebraic, numeric and graphical representations of linear functions, focussing on the gradient of linear functions. Students use images of everyday objects and inscribe straight lines, then use Geogebra to explore the algebraic representation of their lines. Each lesson ...