E2.1 Use appropriate units of length to estimate, measure, and compare the perimeters of polygons and curved shapes, and construct polygons with a given perimeter.
Activity 1: Measuring and Comparing Perimeters
Invite students to estimate and measure the perimeters of different objects in the classroom or school, including objects with straight and curved sides. Ask them to estimate first and then compare their estimate to their measurement. Point out to students that the perimeters of objects with straight sides can be compared with those of objects with curved sides, since the same measurement attribute (length) is involved.
Activity 2: Measurement Activity for the Home – Area – Building shapes with a given perimeter
Materials
• 11 by 11 geoboard
• elastic bands
Instructions
Parents
Have your child construct shapes with a perimeter that you choose (for example, a rectangle that has a perimeter of 10 units.
A unit is a vertical or horizontal space between two pegs. Slanted spaces are longer than one unit, so they cannot be used.
Ask your child to explain their approach.
Source: translated from L'@telier - Ressources pédagogiques en ligne (atelier.on.ca), p. 1.