Length and Perimeter - What is perimeter activity - Presentation
Maths Resource Description
Understanding the concept of perimeter is essential in the world of geometry, and it is introduced to students through a series of engaging activities. Perimeter is defined as the total length or distance around the edge of a two-dimensional shape. To calculate the perimeter of any polygon, one must measure the length of each side and sum them up. For example, to find the perimeter of a garden, students would measure each side of the garden and add those measurements together. If the garden measures 10 meters by 15 meters by 20 meters, the perimeter would be the sum of all sides, equating to 65 meters of fencing required to enclose the garden.
Further activities delve into the calculation of perimeter in different contexts, such as running around a playground or joining tiles together. The exercises demonstrate that the perimeter is the outer edge only and that when shapes are combined, some internal edges no longer contribute to the perimeter. For instance, if two tiles with a perimeter of 10cm each are joined, the new perimeter is not simply doubled but must be recalculated based on the new outer dimensions. The lesson also includes challenges where students can explore the perimeters of various configurations of shapes, enhancing their understanding of the concept and its practical applications.