Learning Activity

Perimeter Introduction Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

3

Overview

This is an introductory activity for teaching perimeter. First, students will watch a perimeter song video. Then, they will work with manipulatives to build a garden (array) and discuss what the measurement would be if a ladybug walked around the edge of the garden. This gives the students an opportunity to explore the perimeter using concrete materials. 

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 3

MA19.3.25

Solve real-world problems involving perimeters of polygons, including finding the perimeter given the side lengths and finding an unknown side length of rectangles.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.3.25

Vocabulary

  • Attribute
  • Dimension
  • Perimeter
  • Polygon
  • Two-dimensional

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Measurable attributes of objects, specifically perimeter.
  • Strategies for modeling measurement problems involving perimeter.
  • Strategies for representing and computing perimeter.

Skills

The Students are able to:
  • Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving perimeters of polygons.
  • Find the perimeter of a figure given the side lengths.
  • Find an unknown side length of a polygon given the perimeter and one missing side length.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Perimeter is measured in length units and is the distance around a two-dimensional figure.
  • If all the sides of a polygon are equal, then the perimeter can be determined by multiplying one side length by the total number of sides.

Phase

Before/Engage
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

The students will solve a real-world problem involving the perimeter of a polygon. 

Activity Details

  1. The teacher will show the "Perimeter Song" video to the class.
  2. After the video, the students will turn and talk with their classmates to answer the following: According to the video, what is perimeter? How do we calculate it?
  3. After the turn and talk, the teacher will give each student color tiles and a cap eraser.
  4. The teacher will then ask the students to build a 4 x 6 garden (array). The teacher will tell the students that the cap eraser is a ladybug. (Any type of small item can be used in place of a cap eraser.)
  5. The teacher will ask the students to pretend that the ladybug walks along the garden fence. The teacher will instruct the students to move the cap eraser around the edges of the array. This will help the students make the connection that perimeter is the measurement around a polygon.
  6. Next, the teacher will ask the students, "What is the total measurement around the garden that the ladybug would travel?"
  7. Finally, the teacher will lead a class discussion on how perimeter is the measurement around a polygon. It would also be good to discuss the difference between perimeter and area at this point if the students are already familiar with the area. 
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

The student responses during the class discussion will be used as a formative assessment. 

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need to provide color tiles and a small item, such as a cap eraser, for each student. 

The teacher will make sure the video can be displayed during the activity. 

Digital Tools / Resources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeNBKdAslwk

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

scarver17
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