Math: Measurement Madness

Developed by Sally S.

Edited by Maggie M.

Photo of Sally S

Essential Question

How do different size rectangles make up our houses/room?  

Background Knowledge

Children should know: 

  • How to solve area for a rectangle: A= l x w 
  • How to solve perimeter of a rectangle: Adding up all sides P= 2(l+w) 
  • How different rectangles and shapes fit together in our day to day lives  
  • How to use a ruler or a tape measure

Materials

  • Ruler or tape measure  
  • Paper  
  • Pencil
  • Journal

Safety protocol

Carefully measure different materials.  

Activity Procedures

Step 1: Grab your journal and begin by answering this question:  

Write down the smallest and largest rectangle you’ve ever seen and where you saw it?  

Step 2: Now, review the area and perimeter formula.  (Area=length x width; perimeter=adding up all the sides: (l + l + w + w; 2(length+width))

How do different size rectangles make up our houses/room?  

Step 3: Look around your house for shapes that are rectangles (walls, chairs, tables, etc.) Ask someone in your family to help you pick out three different rectangles around your house. The rectangles that you find should all be different sizes!

 What is the smallest area and perimeter you found?   

Step 4: After you have chosen your three rectangles, you will measure the area and perimeter of each of these rectangles. You may use either a ruler or a tape measure to measure the length and width of the rectangles. Once you have measured each of the sides, use the equation for area and perimeter to find out the area and perimeter of the rectangle.

What is the largest area and perimeter you found? 

Step 5: As you solve the area and perimeter for each rectangle, record the answer in your journal, using the the chart found in “Resources.” After you have recorded the measurements in your journal, answer the bolded questions in your journal under the table.  

Did any of your rectangles have the same area or perimeter as before? 

Step 6: With parent/guardian permission, share the results of your activity on social media using #AUHomeWorks!

Area (l x w)Perimeter (l + l + w + w)
Rectangle 1
Rectangle 2
Rectangle 3