Introduction to the Exploration of Area and Perimeter:

This lesson is designed for middle grade math students. However, with some adaptations it could be used for any level.

Like many topics in mathematics and any other subject, student's want to know why they have to learn a particular topic and when will they ever use it. I was addressed by one student wondering why he even needed to learn math, because he was going to be a professional baseball player. I proceeded to explain all of the uses of math in sports, especially baseball. It was then that the student was a little more receptive to topics we discussed in class. I can think myself wondering why in the world we had to learn some of the things we did in school. That is what made me realize the importance of relating topics to real-life, real-world situations. It makes the topics much more valuable to the student. That is the intentions of the lesson. Area and Perimeter are very useful topics and easy to relate to most anyone in the right contexts. Everyone at one point in time will be building, buying, or maybe remodeling a home. By discussing area and perimeter in this context they can easily relate it to the home they live in or one day would like to own themselves. Once again, this puts more personal value to the topic. This is all possible while still incorporating many important Georgia Performance Standards and NCTM Principles. On the Lessons these principles will be highlighted and there is a link provided to them as well.

I hope the lesson is helpful and enjoyable for your students.