Finding the Perimeter of a Rectangle with Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe
Using the novel Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe as a starting point, students will learn how to find the perimeter of a rectangle.
Lesson Created By: SamanthaBell, Jo Hackl
Essential Question
How is the perimeter of a rectangle determined?
Grade(s):
- 3
- 4
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Computer and projector for video
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Paper of different sizes
Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Hackl
Lesson Progression
INTRODUCTION
Artists use many different sizes of paper to create their artwork. The artist Bob in Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe used paper that was 8 inches wide and 11 inches high. Students can find the perimeter of Bob’s paper as well as papers of other sizes.
1. Write the definition of perimeter on the board. Definition: Perimeter is the distance around an object or figure.
2. Play the first 2 minutes and 15 seconds of the video Perimeter by Math Antics to introduce the concept of perimeter.
MAIN LESSON
1. Draw several rectangles or squares on the board and indicate the length of each side.
2. As a class, figure out the perimeter of each one. Explain the reasoning behind each answer. Write the answers on the board.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
1. Take out different sizes of paper, such as paper from drawing pads, note cards, printer paper, construction paper, newsprint, and poster board. Label each piece with a letter (A, B, C, D, etc.)
2. Divide the students into groups of two. Provide each group with a different piece of paper and a ruler.
3. Challenge the groups to find the perimeter of the piece of paper they’ve been given in inches. They should record their answer on a separate sheet of paper (Example: The perimeter of Paper A is 25 inches).
4. When all the groups are finished, have them exchanged papers following a clockwise rotation and repeat the activity until they have measured each piece.
5. When the groups have found the perimeter of each piece of paper and recorded their answers, go over those answers as a class.
6. Provide each student with an 8” x 11” piece of paper like the ones found in Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe. Have the students figure out the perimeter of the paper independently.
EXTENSIONS
1. Have the students find the perimeter of other types of quadrilaterals.
2. Provide the students with the perimeter of a square. Instruct them to figure out the dimensions.
Teacher Notes
Differentiation: Decrease the number of rectangles as needed. Consider heterogeneous vs. homogeneous groupings.
Extension: Bump up the rigor by having students convert measurements from one unit to another. (ex. inches to feet). Another option is to give students perimeters and have them identify which figure matches.
Standards
Assessments
Provide students with other perimeter problems to complete and turn in. Assess their understanding of the perimeter of a quadrilateral.
