Recognise that shapes with the same areas can have different…
Recognise that shapes with the same areas can have different perimeters and vice versa (an adjacent-year match).
The National curriculum in England: mathematics programmes of study, Key Stages 1–3 outcome (Measurement) for Year 6 says: “Recognise that shapes with the same areas can have different perimeters and vice versa (an adjacent-year match).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: National curriculum in England: mathematics programmes of study, Key Stages 1–3.
Fence It, Fill It: Area and Perimeter Grades 3–4
Which mat is really the biggest? Does the same fence always hold the same garden? Can the same rug need more edging? Four lessons where students tile, stretch rope and chalk the schoolyard to find out that area and perimeter measure different things.
- Does the same fence always hold the same garden? 50–60 min
Teams stretch the same 12 m rope loop into different rectangles in the schoolyard and find that a fence of the same length can hold 5, 8 or 9 square metres. Students find perimeter by adding the sides, find area by multiplying, and recommend a shape for a school garden.
- Can the same rug need more edging? 45–60 min
Teams build every rectangle they can from the same 24 square tiles and find that the edging around them runs from 20 to 50 tile edges. Students explain that the same area can have different perimeters, and use length × width = area to find a missing side.
More England Year 6 math outcomes we teach
Every England Year 6 math curriculum outcome we teach
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