Help! I've got a college project I'm finding difficult. I have to design a model to the ratio of 1:10 scale?

Hi, I've never really understood or learn't about scale as such, I'm not much of a mathematician. In fact, Ive always had problems grasping the basics of maths since primary education, and Ive never really understood metric measurements : mm, cm, mtr, etc etc....I am supposed to be designing a mini scaled up mock model for an architectural building but lack the initiative to do so. Anything with figures and I shut off & panic. Ironically enough I am on a graphics design course which it is fundamentally important to know your measurements etc... Ive got the base of my model ready I just dunno how I'm going to start the actual making process...as i ume I'm measuring the whole structure. I'm doing the Opera house in sydney. And I'm doing it to the 1:10 scale whatever that means lol! any suggestions for learning resources? or general advice?