Area and perimeter are two important and fundamental parts of mathematics. They are the foundation for understanding other aspects of geometry which help us understand algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
Since math builds upon itself, it is important for students to learn about area and perimeter. This learning will give the students a chance to use real math that people need and use outside of the school setting. Many careers like architecture, aeronautical and graphics design, engineering, and many others, include the use of area and perimeter on a regular basis. With these careers, it is crucial to know and understand the importance of these topics.
This week our focus was perimeter. Take a look at all the perimeter activities we experienced.
We explored perimeter using toothpicks as our unit of measure. Then, using expo markers, we added up all the sides of the shape we created. We discovered the more sides the shape had, the more difficult it was to determine the perimeter!
We also used our geoboards to create shapes. We exchanged our geoboards and figured out our partners’ perimeter. It was a little tricky!
As a culminating experience, the students chose a person, robot or used their name to draw on graph paper. They then figured out the perimeter of their creation.
