Perimeter

3rd Grade Introductory Lesson on Perimeter

The teacher began the lesson by giving the origin of the word perimeter so students would have a better understand of the definition. She explained that the word "peri" is Greek and means around. "Meter" is also Greek but means to measure. Then she asked students what they thought perimeter actually meant. The students decided that it was the distance around an object. After the teacher gave multiple examples  she split students into groups for perimeter centers.

Each center had shapes cut out of cardboard. In station 1, the students were given each side's measurement and just had to add up the sides to find the perimeter.

In station 2, the students were given every side but one. They were also given the perimeter. The students then had to find the missing side using the pieces they were given.

In station 3, the students practiced their measurement skills using a ruler. They had to measure each side and find the perimeter.

In station 4, the shapes were mixed. Some were missing a side, given all sides, or had to measure.

Each group worked as a team to find to perimeter or missing side of each shape before rotating to the next center. The students were required to record their group's answers.