Max Maths, Year 4, Learn together, Area (3)

In an engaging lesson from Max Maths for Year 4 students, the concept of area is explored through the use of colourful squares on a grid. Each square on the grid measures 1 cm by 1 cm, and the students are tasked with determining the areas of squares that are highlighted in different colours. The lesson provides clear examples, starting with a blue square with a side length of 1 cm, which naturally has an area of 1 cm². As the squares increase in size, so do their areas, with the yellow square's side length of 2 cm giving it an area of 4 cm², the pink square's 3 cm side resulting in an area of 9 cm², the green square's 4 cm side equating to an area of 16 cm², and the red square's 6 cm side leading to a substantial area of 36 cm².

The fundamental principle taught in this lesson is the formula for calculating the area of a square, which is simply the length of one side multiplied by itself. This formula is succinctly expressed as 'area = side × side'. Through this exercise, students learn to apply this straightforward formula to find the area of squares of various sizes, reinforcing their understanding of the concept of area and how it relates to the dimensions of a square. The lesson's visual and practical approach makes it an effective and enjoyable way for students to grasp the mathematical concept of area.