Surf for More Math

Lesson 7 - Measuring Around Objects

Use these interactive activities to encourage students to have fun on the Web while learning about measuring around objects. Students can try these activities on their own or in pairs.

Goal

Measure and record distances around objects using both nonstandard and standard units.

Instructions for Use

Touch Pegs lets students investigate perimeter.

To use Touch Pegs, click the "Clear" button. Select a blue band under "Bands" then drag it to any location on the grid. Release the band to anchor it. A red node appears at the top of the band. Click on any part of the band and drag it in any direction. It will stretch like a rubber band. Release the band to secure it to a point on the grid. Secure the band to other points on the grid to form a shape.

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To colour the area inside the shape, click on the shape's outline and then click one of the colour buttons to the left of the grid.

Calculate the perimeter of the shape you created. Click the "Measures" button to check your answer. Click on the "Clear" button to start the exercise over again.

Perimeter Explorer allows students to measure the perimeter of a random shape on a grid.

To use Perimeter Explorer, input a number (greater than 1 and less than 50) in the text box next to "This shape's area is:". Click the "Draw New Shape" button. Calculate the shape's perimeter and input the answer in the text box beside "What is this shape's perimeter?". Click the "Check Answer" button to check your answer.

Input a different area and click the "Draw New Shape" button to measure the perimeter of a different shape.