Learners follow a series of instructions for drawing and coloring different shapes in order to learn the difference between the perimeter and area of a polygon. Then they are asked to find the perimeter and area of a 3x4 rectangular array, while explaining in their own words what part of the shape they measured for each. To be successful, pupils need familiarity with different types of shapes (e.g. pentagon, triangle, quadrilateral, and rectangle), making this best suited as a guided practice activity following an introduction to polygons.

Concepts

polygons, 2-d shapes, 2-d

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

area & perimeter, polygon, math

Show More Show Less

Pros

• Allows for student creativity
• Visually highlights difference between perimeter and area

Cons

• Requires background knowledge of polygons

Common Core

3.MD.C.5.a 3.MD.C.5.b 3.MD.C.6 3.G.A.1 MP3 MP7