Finding Perimeter - Part 2
After our discussion in class about geoboards for finding area and perimeter, I decided to look into it further. I found a lesson from triumphantlearning.com that I thought looked interesting.
You start by giving each student a geoboard and some rubber bands. Then, explain that each line connecting two pegs is "one length."
You start by giving each student a geoboard and some rubber bands. Then, explain that each line connecting two pegs is "one length."
You then ask your students to create a shape on their board and find the perimeter. Explain that this is the distance around the shape. To calculate the perimeter, the students need to add up the lengths of all sides of the shape.
The site also mentioned that if you don't want to use rubber bands, you can also use kinetic sand by making a print of the geoboard and then having the students use popsicle sticks to draw the shapes in the sand.
You can also use the boards to teach area by explaining that each square on the geoboard is the equivalent of "one square." You then have the students make a shape and ask them to count how many shares are inside of the shape to find the area. You can make it more difficult by having the students make more complicated shapes in which they will have to add up 1/2 squares as well.
I thought that this activity looked engaging for the students. It is very hands on, and it is nice that they get to create their own shapes to find the area and perimeter of. Also, if you include the kinetic sand, it can double as some sensory time!
Hi Siobhan! I think this was a great way to explain perimeter! I agree that having hands-on activities are great because I really feel that students learn better when they use their hands and bodies and move around! I especially liked the idea of using sand, due to the sensory time. I've never seen this idea used so I can definitely see myself using this activity in my own classroom!
ReplyDeleteHi Siobhan, I think this post is awesome. It's a great way to show students how to solve for the perimeter of a shape. It also makes it fun. I personally like the idea of rubber bands to teach students how to solve for perimeter. It allows for a more visual representation of what students are solving for and it helps them get a better understanding. I think it is a much better way of getting a lesson across rather than just providing students with a formula.
ReplyDeleteSiobhan, the post has a very simplistic feel to it that eliminated the overwhelming feeling that is often aligned with math. I love that the examples you found for independent practice for the kids are highly engaging actives. You did a great job of explaining the concept and the creative was to teach the concept would just enhance the engagement and joy in your classroom. I have never seen kinetic sand used in the classroom for any other purpose than for behavior supports.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the peer feedback everyone.
ReplyDelete