Scaling the Heights

Aims & Learning Outcomes

The programme aims to:

  • Explore ratio and scale using ‘best buy’ scenarios.
  • Develop understanding of systems of measurement and conversion of units.
  • Relate ratios to scales on maps.
  • Provide entertaining lesson material, with opportunities for further exploration.
  • Demonstrate a practical, problem-solving approach.

After watching the programme, students should:

  • Understand simple methods of comparing values given in different units.
  • Be familiar with methods of calculating a price given a unit rate.
  • Appreciate that standard measures are often arbitrarily defined, but provide a useful basis for comparing quantities.
  • Recognise that scales on maps and drawings are expressed as ratios, and that these can be used to calculate real distances.
  • Understand that converting between units allows comparisons to be made, and that unit ratios are useful in this.
  • Be aware that the metric system is one of many systems that have evolved to allow us to compare and calculate physical quantities.



© 2000 Channel Four Television Corporation