Area and Perimeter Lesson
Introduction
This lesson examines rectangular shapes and the relationship between their areas and perimeters. The goal is to provide students with the ability to measure these features, understand that perimeter and area have a relationship, and recognize and apply their new knowledge in real-life applications. This lesson builds on previous lesson that the students have done on measurement of length and perimeter.
Lesson Duration
This lesson should take approximately 90 minutes.
Materials Needed
Pencils, grid papers, sharpies, ruler, laptops (or tablets/PCs) and projector screen
Learning Outcomes
Students will calculate the area and perimeter of rectangles and non-rectangular shapes on a grid
Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
i. explore what happens to measurements of a two-dimensional shape such as its perimeter and area when the shape is changed in some way
ii. build and draw geometric shapes
iii. label rectangles with measurements of area and perimeter
iv. Communicate effectively through drawings and numbers.
v. work cooperatively in small groups
vi. Identify real life situations in which area and perimeter are usefully applied.
Instructional Strategies
· brain storming
· tiered questioning,
· small group and peer collaboration,
· cooperative problem solving
Lesson
Presentation:
Warm-up: students are given two different rectangles and are asked to figure out the area and perimeters of each of the rectangles.
Activity 1: Students are asked to draw two different rectangles each with an area of 24 square inches and to also figure out the perimeter of the rectangles.
Activity 2: Teacher sets up the interactive shape explorer activity and then explains to the students how to do the activity. http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/ShapeExplorer/. The activities will be set up in tiers and each tier will have 6 stages according to the difficulty level; stage 1 being the least difficult. Each group is expected to answer 10 questions correctly before they can move to the next stage.
Tier 1: check only draw rectangular shapes.
Level 1: adjust size two times Level 4: adjust size eight times
Level 2: adjust size four times Level 5: adjust size ten times
Level 3: adjust size six times Level 6: adjust size twelve times.
Tier 2: uncheck only draw rectangular shapes.
Level 1: adjust size two times Level 4: adjust size eight times
Level 2: adjust size four times Level 5: adjust size ten times
Level 3: adjust size six times Level 6: adjust size twelve times.
Activity 3: Students will then be divided into groups of two and then asked to work on the interactive shape explorer activity.
Assessment
Have students create at least 5 shapes on a grid. Students should exchange grids and calculate the area and perimeter of the shapes.
Rubric for scoring:
- 9–10 correct: 5 points
- 7–8 correct: 3 points
- 6 correct: 1 point
- less than 6 correct: 0 points
Once students complete calculation, they should return the grids to the original creator who use check the responses and provide a score. This can be done anonymously if prefered.
This assessment was modified from the LearnNC Area and Perimeter Unit
Homework
Look at the space around you (your home, your school, your job). Create a word problem where others will need to determine the area and perimeter of a space that you have measured. In class, you will share your problem and another student will have to solve it. All word problems will be collected and compiled into a class practice sheet.
Examples: the backyard, a dog pen, any room in your home or work, a desk, a table, a closet, a playground, a pizza box, a door, a garden, etc.
Extension Activity/Bonus Work
What are some professions that use area and perimeter regularly?
Can you think of any circumstances where you or someone you know has or might have to calculate perimeter and area?
Would you like to work in an occupation that requires measuring and calculating as part of the duties?
Original source: Lesson 10: Distance, Perimeter, and Area in the Real World, EngagenNY)