Unit 2 Real-World Unit Projects

Problem Solving in Social Studies: Are We Similar?

Task | Process | Guidance | Resources | Conclusion

Task

1. Go to a local library and locate books and stories about similarity. Identify jobs that use similarity in their work. Brainstorm other places in life that you use similarities and ratios.
2. Create a poster about similarity and remember to include diagrams and calculations with your project.

Process
    1a.  Take a trip to your local or school library to research information about similarity and the construction of buildings. Look at the different ways buildings are constructed and how the design team incorporates outside influences.
    1b.  As you research, make a list of jobs that use similarity.

    2a.  Then pick one famous building or statue. Find the measurements of your statue or building and draw a smaller version of it using scale factor. You will add this to your poster.
    2b.  Create a poster that contains the key facts about similarity and building design. It should include diagrams and calculations that you used throughout the project.

Guidance
Use the Resources section for help with information about construction of buildings.

If you are having difficulties finding buildings here are some examples below:

• Eiffel Tower
• Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Stonehenge
• Colosseum
• Golden Gate Bridge

When making the list of activities that deal with similarities and ratios, think about your daily routine and the things you do.

Resources
Use the internet to research famous buildings, similarity and scale factors.

Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed your experience with construction and buildings! Now that you have gained knowledge about similarities and the jobs that use it, you may find yourself using similarity to earn a living! Keep up the good work and it will take you great places.