Perimeter and Area of Triangles & Quadrilaterals

Many children confuse perimeter and area. And even those who don’t, still think that area is ‘length x breadth’ and think that you can apply this to every shape.

Somewhere along the line, they seem to have forgotten what area actually is: the space inside a shape.

And why is it length x breadth anyway?

How would you count area? You can’t? Yes you can! It’s the number of squares inside a shape.

So why do we use squares…?

This investigation tackles the what, the why and the how of both area and perimeter and makes sure they really ‘get it’. It recaps how to find the area of rectangles, leads on to triangles and then explores the common quadrilaterals.

Oh, yes, and there’s a bit thrown in on measuring accurately using a ruler…

Lots to keep them busy for a while. Have fun!

Ages 9-13    Printable materials (pdf) - 3 pages of teachers notes and 5 pupil copymasters.