Surf for More Math

Lesson 1 - Comparing Areas

To encourage students to have fun on the Web while learning about Comparing Areas, here are some games and interactive activities they can do on their own or in pairs.

Goals

Compare areas by superimposing.

Compare areas using uniform shapes.

Instructions for Use

Touch Pegs lets students investigate area using nonstandard units and compare areas by superimposing.

To use Touch Pegs, select a circle by holding the mouse button down, and drag it to any location on the gird. Release the circle to anchor it. A red node appears at the top of the circle. Click on any part of the circle and drag it in any direction. It will stretch much like a rubber band. Secure the band to any points on the grid to make rectangles.

Click on the circle again to add other bands. To colour the rectangle, click first on it and then on the colour buttons to the left. To release a node, hold the Ctrl key down and click on the node. Click on the "Measure" button to determine the perimeter of the rectangle. Click on the "Clear" button to start the exercise over again.