Proportions & Similarity
PhotoStory
Center # 2
Developed by: Kelly Petross
Sulphur High School
GLEs:
GLE 4: Use ratios and proportional reasoning to solve a variety of real-life problems including similar figures and scale
drawings (N-6-H, M-4-H).
GLE 18: Determine angle measures and side lengths of right and similar triangles using trigonometric ratios and
properties of similarity, including congruence (G-5-H, M-4-H).
Introduction:
There are three different ways that triangles can be similar, which we have been studying in class. You will now
take that knowledge and design a presentation that displays AA Similarity, SAS Similarity, and SSS Similarity.
Big Question: What are the differences and similarities between the three ways to classify similar triangles?
Task:
You are an architect with a new assignment from World Shapes Travel. Your job is to design and build a presentation
showcasing different travel locations that have attractions or special points of interest and similar models that could be
built to be displayed in their office. Working as a team is the key to creating a 30-45 second presentation using
PhotoStory to present to the CEO of World Shapes Travel proving that your team is the one they should hire.
Process:
To accomplish this task, you and your team will complete the following step-by-step instructions:
1. As a team, you will need to discuss the different ways that triangles can be similar.
2. Develop a name for your architect firm. Be sure to include the name in your presentation and on your rubric
sheets.
3. Each member will need to select one of the ways that triangles can be similar (AA Similarity, SSS Similarity, or
SAS Similarity) and then research and locate an image showcasing two different travel locations. One member
will aid the other members in ensuring that they are finding different images and showcasing different locations.
4. Save all pictures to a folder on the jump drive provided for your group. Be sure to label your folder with your
class hour and the first initial and last name of the group coordinator.
5. As a group generate actual measurements for each of the images saved (remember to only create needed
measurements that pertain to the type of similarity involved). Then, formulate versions of the images that would
be able to be accurately reproduced for the showroom of the World Shapes Travel office.
6. Once all the pictures have been saved to the folder on the jump drive, then group members will take on their
individual roles. Your final presentation will be compiled using Photo Story.
 Constructor: Your role is to take the saved images and incorporate the measurements (using Paint or
ActivStudio/ActivInspire) that the group generated. Be sure to duplicate the image to also create an
image using the similar version’s measurement. You will also need to create two additional slides; one
will be a title slide and the other will be a credit slide that includes every group members’ name.
 Scripter: Your role is to script voice-overs highlighting the amazing features of each travel destination
and stress the similar features of the model that could be built for display in the office.

Sound Engineer: Your role is to record your voice using the script and finding background music for the
presentation. Be sure to find appropriate music and save them to the group jump drive.
 Producer: Your role is to take the images, voice recordings, and background music and merge them into
one presentation.
7. As a team, review your project for accuracy. Be sure all components of the presentation are included.
8. Save your project using the same format as your folder (ex. 3rd _Hour_KPetross).
9. One team member should upload the project into the Chapter 6 Projects in the Geometry tab on blackboard. In
the subject area, put your file name in addition to the type of final product
(i.e. 3rd_Hour_KPetross_photostory). Attach your final product and Submit.
Photo Story Quick Tips are available in the center folder.
More in-depth PhotoStory quicktips are available at
http://www.cpsb.org/resources/ctc/Presentation/PhotoStory.pdf.
Evaluation:
See attached Rubric
Reflective Question or Constructive Response:
Upon completion of this learning center, you should be able to distinguish what way a triangle is similar to another based
on the information given and understand the similarities and differences between each way.
Constructive Response: Based on the measurements for the waterfall in Hawaii and the measurements for the waterfall
that was constructed for an office, are the waterfalls similar? Be sure to explain the how to ensure that the waterfalls are
similar (example: Use terms like scale factor and proportions). If the waterfalls are not similar, give an example of a
height and length that would be similar to the one shown from Hawaii.
Place your constructive response question in Blackboard in the Discussion Board thread labeled “Chapter 6 Projects”
for your appropriate hour.
Adapted from resources found at the following website
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/templates/lesson-template1.htm
Based on a template from The WebQuest Page