Mathematics education is an essential component of a student’s academic development. The subject of geometry teaches a lot of principles that relate to real-world experiences and is crucial in understanding other subjects like Physics and Engineering. Among the essential topics in geometry is the relationship between area and perimeter.
One can’t conclude their geometry lessons without fully establishing this relationship.
There are various methods that educators can use to teach students this concept. However, teaching the relationship between area and perimeter should be an exciting and engaging experience to enhance the students’ learning experience. Here are some activities that can encourage students in learning and understanding the relationship between area and perimeter.
1) Grid Paper Activity
Using graph paper to teach area and perimeter shows clear visual representations of the concept. Teachers can give students sheets of grid paper and different geometric shapes to calculate their areas and perimeters. Teachers can later compare the values to showcase the relationship between the two concepts. This activity is simple, hands-on, and it’s easy to differentiate the lesson for various levels of learning.
2) Real-life Objects
Real-life objects provide a practical experience for students to understand the connection between area and perimeter. Teachers can use cut-outs of rooms, fences, and other objects to create the calculations. This activity exposes students to the real-world application of the concept in different settings. Additionally, students can measure their school compound or classroom, creating more genuine connections to the lesson.
3) Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is an exciting way to explore area and perimeter. Teachers can divide the students into small groups, and each group gets a list of ten different shapes to find, including a circle or triangle. The group with the most items found, and the correct calculations wins. This activity is interactive, fun, and allows for competition among students, making it motivating for students to learn math.
4) Technology Resources
Technology resources can be handy in visualizing objects and understanding area and perimeter. For instance, interactive geometry software and online resources teach the relationship between the concepts. Applications like GeoGebra and Desmos can create and calculate various geometric shapes. Online videos, websites, and online games, like Quizlet, offer interactive games, lessons, and visual aids.
In conclusion, there are several methods that teachers use for teaching area and perimeter, but the activities mentioned above make the learning experience interactive, hands-on, and fun. Engaging students in the learning process reinforces their knowledge and makes them more likely to retain it. When students are excited about the lesson, they retain the information better. With the different activities mentioned above, teachers can provide a comprehensive learning experience and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between area
and perimeter. The relationship between area and perimeter is a fundamental concept that promotes the students’ mastery of geometry, and its importance cannot be understated.
