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Perimeter = Per-RIM-eter
The Design Challenge
This is the really fun part! Students use their data- the arrays they have drawn- and pick the shape that will make the best dog run. They make that choice and then write reasons why it is the best.
Then, they build a tiny version of it! Check the photos of our tiny dog run models!
Above, the team made a dog food bowl out of pipe cleaners with pipe cleaner food. That is also a real rock sitting by their tree. The grass is shredded paper. The actual dog run is made from one of the grids they drew!
Above, you can see real rocks and sticks. The doghouse is made from craft foam and the small disc is either a dish or a frisbee.
Above, this team made a palm tree- even though we don’t have those near us! I guess it could be a banana tree and we can grow those! They have a grid paper house and grid paper dog bowl. The string is a toy rope for the dog.
So, what about using area to design?
It’s a fabulous set of STEM challenges all about perimeter and area, but here is the best part!
This is the story of Lisa who is given a homework assignment to go home and measure something. She decides to measure her dog, Penny. She does this in such creative and unusual ways it makes the kids laugh. It sparks a discussion of what it takes to care for a pet- which leads to creating the dog run and the floor plan for the doghouse.
Total fun! It works on two important math skills. And, I added two homework tasks to these two products that will allow even more extensions of the skills! Perfect – and so much easier than hanging wallpaper!
LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Thanks for such great ideas for area and perimeter!!
My pleasure! Thanks for visiting! Let me know if there is anything Ic an help you with!