Perimeter is the total distance around the edge of a two-dimensional shape. It is an important concept in geometry that is used in many real-world situations. Teaching students about perimeter is essential, especially when working with figures with whole number side lengths.
Here are some activity ideas to teach students about perimeter with whole number side lengths:
1. Perimeter Race:
Divide the class into teams. Each team must collect shapes with whole number side lengths from the classroom or draw them on paper. The team that finds or draws the shape with the largest perimeter wins. To make it more challenging, you may also ask them to calculate the perimeter of each shape before declaring a winner.
2. Perimeter of a Square:
Squares are the simplest polygons for calculating perimeter. Have your students experiment by measuring the sides of different squares and then adding them together to find the perimeter. Use the squares of different colors and sizes to challenge the students in identifying each square’s perimeter.
3. Perimeter of a Rectangle:
Rectangles are relatively easy to teach perimeter. Provide several geometrical shapes to each student and mix-up this task by allowing all the students to calculate their perimeter and later compare it with each other. This way, students will have hands-on experience with measuring perimeter.
4. Perimeter Puzzles:
Create puzzles that require students to apply their knowledge of perimeter to solve. For instance, pick a shape like a square or rectangle that is divided into different parts, and tell students to determine the perimeter of each section before adding them up to get the perimeter of the whole shape.
5. Perimeter Bingo:
Make bingo cards with shapes on them. Each student will receive a bingo card and manipulatives representing perimeter calculations. Call out a shape, and the players must place their manipulative on that shape’s perimeter after they have calculated it. When they get five in a row – horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, they shout “Bingo!”
6. Classroom Perimeter Hunt:
Divide the class into teams, and each team will receive an instruction sheet with clues about where they can find objects with whole number side lengths in the classroom. As soon as they find the objects, each team will measure them and calculate the perimeter before rushing back to present their findings to the teacher.
In conclusion, teaching perimeter to your students can be difficult, but using the approach of hands-on experience and various activities can help them understand the concept. Use these six activities and make teaching perimeter fun and interactive for your students, making it easier for them to learn and apply the concept in real-world situations.
