Provided by: NASA |Published on: February 10, 2026
Activity - Classroom
34567
Synopsis
This math activity from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory gives students structured practice using scale to model how high our atmosphere goes before it transitions to space, using everyday measurements.
Students use scaled conversions to represent distances to space-related reference points, with an optional Los Angeles area map provided to support the activity.
Being able to use a map of their own city or state can help students feel more connected to the activity.
The coins act as an excellent hands-on, three-dimensional representation of the distance to space.
Prerequisites
Students should know how to measure in millimeters and should be able to figure out the scale of a map using the scale map feature.
Teachers will need to print maps and have coins, washers, or something similar to use.
Differentiation & Implementation
After students complete this activity, teachers can transition to a lesson discussing what makes up Earth’s atmosphere and how the atmosphere works to create the greenhouse effect. This video can help teachers make connections.
This math activity can be used as a basis of understanding scale when introducing lessons on greenhouse gases, the effect of human acitivites on the Earth, or air pollution.
Teachers may want to reference a familiar trail or location to spark their understanding of how far a mile or kilometer is.
For another activity with maps and measurement, teachers can check out this one, where students will measure burn scars in California.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
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