Enrich Instruction in a Geometry and Measurement Unit with Technology Teaching Area and Squares iLearn Grade 6 Math Session 5 of 8.

Enrich Instruction in a Geometry and Measurement Unit with Technology

Teaching Area and Squares

iLearn Grade 6

Math Session 5 of 8

Focusing Questions

How can Geometer’s Sketchpad be used to study the area of rectangles?

Instruction

Framing The Session

Students will draw and find the area of two rectangles by counting squares within the figure. Students should record the length and width of each rectangle. From this chart of values, they should derive the formula for perimeter and area of the rectangles.

Teaching

Demonstrate for participants how to use GSP to create rectangles and determine their areas:

Step 1 – First, open Geometer’s Sketchpad.

Step 2 – From the tool bar, select Graph.

Step 3 – Select Define Coordinate System.

Step 4 – Drag the graph so that only Quadrant I is visible.

Step 5 – Select Snap Points from Graph menu.

Step 6 – Select the line segment tool and use it on the grid to create two rectangles with perimeters of 12 inches but of different areas (problem 1).

Step 7 – Count the squares to determine the perimeter and area. Label the rectangles.

Guided Practice

Use Geometers Sketchpad to discuss problem 1 in IMPACT Math Course 1 page 495_2nd ed.,2004 Problem Set A.

Work Time

Getting Started

Complete problems 2-4 in IMPACT Math Course 1 page 495_2nd ed.,2004 Problem Set A using Geometer’s Sketchpad.

Then go to C1 page 499_2nd ed.,2004 Problem Set D. Use Geometer’s Sketchpad and open Squares and Square Roots. Use these to demonstrate the relationship between the sides of the square and the square root.

We will come back together and share.

Work Time

Create a chart and record answers

25

x x2

5 25

9

27

44

59

67

83

x

Work Time

What formula would you use to find the area of a rectangle?

What formula would you use to find the perimeter of a rectangle?

Does your rule for rectangles hold true for squares? Why or why not?

Work TimeCreate different rectangles and squares on a grid in GSP. Record results in the table.

Do your formula’s work?

Length Width Perimeter Area

Share

Go to the IMPACT Self-Check Quiz website. Complete the quizzes for Course 1_2nd ed.,2004 Chapter 8, sections 2 and 3. How would you use website in your classrooms?

What are the advantages and drawbacks to using Geometer’s Sketchpad?

Share

For more information

Office of Instructional Technology

oittc@schools.nyc.gov

www.nyc.gov/schools