Area of Rectangles: How Much Wallpaper Do We Need?
Submitted by: Betsy Raguse
Grade Levels: 3-5, K-3
In this lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 3-5, students use BrainPOP resources to learn to how to calculate the area of rectangles. Students will then make a real-world connection and show their understanding of finding area in differentiated activities including BrainPOP’s Make-A-Map tool.
Students will:
- Students will be able to use a formula to find the area of a rectangle.
- Students will apply their knowledge of finding area to a real-world situation.
Materials:
- Computers with internet access for BrainPOP and an interactive whiteboard
Vocabulary:
Area
Multiply
Length
Width
Square Units
Preparation:
Students should have an understanding of how to use the Make-A-Map toolLesson Procedure:
- At the start of a lesson, ask students: If we needed to buy tiles to cover the floor of our classroom, how would we need the amount to buy? What about wallpaper for the wall?
- Pre-teach key vocabulary words by using the Area of Rectangles. Pose the following focus question before watching the video: Why do we need to know how to find area?
- After playing the video, discuss why Ben and Moby need to find area and the steps they took to find it.
- To show their understanding, students have a choice to different activities base on various learning styles. Students can write a "How To" guide for finding the area of wall with a door. After describing the steps, students will need to create their own wallpaper scenario and solve it. Or, students can Make-a-Map and explain how to find area of a rectangle by inserting a video clip and explaining it. Then, they will explain how the area is changed if this rectangle was a wall with a door. Students will need to create their own wallpaper scenario and solve it.
- Have students share their work with each other.
