Funding sponsored by:
www.qad.com
Click here to view the project resources.
Project Description: In this unit, students learn geometry concepts of perimeter and area through a variety of instructional strategies, resources, technologies and web-based sites. Students are first introduced to the concept of perimeter through a short video clip on brainpopjr.com, and then further their learning through explicit direct instruction using a teacher-created Power Point presentation. Students then have various opportunities to deepen their understanding of perimeter by exploring perimeter concepts through center activities that include traditional worksheets, web-based sites such as ixl.com and nlvm.com (National Library of Virtual Manipulatives), as well as hands-on cut-and-paste activities. Students then learn concepts of area using the same format: brainpopjr.com video, Power Point, then similar center-based activities. Finally, students explore the relationship between perimeter and area using the same figures.
How it works: Day 1: brainpopjr.com video about perimeter followed by a teacher created Power Point about perimeter then whole group guided practice using worksheet.
Day 2: Centers activities: ixl.com website, traditional style worksheet, geoboards, and hands-on activity to measure the perimeter of various objects.
Day 3: brainpopjr.com video about area followed by a teacher created Power Point about area then whole group guided practice using worksheet.
Day 4: Centers activities: ixl.com website, traditional style worksheet, geoboards, and hands-on activity of various polygon cut-outs for students to trace and count square units.
Day 5: Website activity using nlvm.com to use virtual geoboards to explore the relationship between perimeter and area using the same figure.
Assessment: Multiple measures including performance on ixl.com practice skills activities and worksheets. Proficiency is determined as demonstrated by achieving a minimum of 75%.
Standards: Measurement and Geometry: Estimate and determine the perimeter and area of polygons.
Estimated Number of Class Periods for Students To Complete Unit: 5 Class Periods
What you need: Required websites:
www.brainpopjr.com has short videoclips about various concepts in all subject areas. This website also includes activity sheets and games related to the video topic.
www.ixl.com has over 200 practice skills for each grade level K-8. The practice skills are aligned with State standards as well as the Core Content Standards.
www.nlvm.com has virtual manipulatives and activities that allow students to explore math concepts in all the strands.
Software or Materials Used: Computers with internet access, digital presenter, LCD projector
Keywords: area, perimeter, measurement, geometry
The Students: 26 students including English learners, GATE and regular education
Overall Value:This project works because it gives student multiple avenues to understand concepts of perimeter and area beyond traditional worksheets: multimedia, virtual manipulatives help to engage students. This project is highly adaptable for other concepts in math and is a great way to differentiate curriculum.
Subject Area: Math
Grade Levels: Grades 3 - 4
Tips for the Teacher: Play with the virtual manipulatives before introducing them to students.
