Are We There Yet?

Scripture: Genesis 12, 15 and 20

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will review the story of Abram.
  • Students will participate in an activity allowing them to practice using map scales and addition and subtraction to calculate distances for an extended trip..

Guiding Question: How can you use the scale on a map and addition (or subtraction) to calculate milage for an extended trip?

Materials: maps (with clear mileage scale), rulers, paper, pencil

Procedure: Review the story of Abram, focusing especially on how God gave Abram directions to follow to find his new home. Show students on a map how far Abram had to travel. Teach/review with students how to use the scale on a map to calculate the distance between two points. Demonstrate how to calculate the distance for an entire trip when multiple stops are made (calculate each distance between two points and add all segments for the trip.) Give each student a map with a scale. (Note: Having maps of unusual areas can also tie the activity to social studies or Bible.) Have students create a trip lasting several days. They should list the starting and stopping point on the map for each day. Once they have mapped the trip, they should use the scale on their map to calculate the distance traveled each day, then add the distances to find the total distance traveled over the course of the journey. Have students switch papers and maps and check each other’s answers for additional practice.

Additional Question: What are some other ways people use math when traveling??

Supplemental Activity: Have more advanced students think of other ways math is used when traveling. Have them create travel math word problems reflecting their findings.
