Lesson 4 - Relating Linear Dimensions and Area

To encourage your child to have fun on the Web while learning about Relating Linear Dimensions and Area, here are some games and interactive activities they can do on their own or in pairs.

Goal

Relate the area of a rectangle to its length and width.

Builds Upon

Student Book pages 222-224

Instructions for Use

Geoboard prompts your child to investigate how length and width relate to area.

To use Geoboard, select a circle by holding the mouse button down, and drag it to any location on the gird. Release the circle to anchor it. A red node appears at the top of the circle. Click on any part of the circle and drag it in any direction. It will stretch much like a rubber band. Secure the band to any points on the grid. Make squares, triangles, rectangles and many geometrical shapes.

Click on the circle again to add other bands. To color the area in the shape, click first on the shape and then on the color buttons to the left. To release a node, hold the Ctrl key down and click on the node. Click on the 'Measure' button to determine the area and perimeter of the shape. Click on the 'Clear' button to start the exercise over again.