BackYard

LESSON PLAN
Area and Perimeter (STEM)
Subject: Mathematics
Step 1: Pre-Instructional Activities:
Activate prior knowledge of area formulas
* Discuss triangle examples and composite figures strategies
* Interactive whiteboard activity - examine the various triangle examples and partner share discussion; write down student thoughts on the board (add a new page as needed)
Step 2: Content Presentation:
*Teacher displays the task for students – Students are asked to design a new backyard area for their neighbor's yard (filling the area of the yard with grass) and then using perimeter to plan fencing for the yard.
* Discuss the tools that would be needed for the task and complete the matching activity on the interactive board
*Next examine where these materials could be purchased; the interactive board has two webpages that should be used to demonstrate the expected research process for the task
*Students may begin the task
*For remediation - the teacher should use the two included video clips for Math Antics that review Area and Perimeter - this could be whole group or small group
Step 3: Learner Participation:
* Working in small teams, the students will develop a design for a backyard, calculate the area and perimeter for the yard, identify the materials needed to complete the task, research the cost of the materials, develop an appropriate budget sheet, and finally construct the yard using the provided materials. Checkpoints should be built in after each piece of the task is completed to ensure students are making adequate progress. Once all components of the activity are complete, a student reflection will occur asking students to think about their experience and describe what steps were most challenging, which parts were most enjoyable, how they believe the activity connects to math class and what specific math topics were included in the activity. Language Arts extensions can also be included as students complete the activity by completing a business plan, detailing the construction plan (what materials were selected, how much do they cost, how will the materials be used, etc) and at the end of the activity with an oral presentation of the project (students can prepare a brief speech discussing their business plan and showcasing their model).
Step 4: Assessment:
Informal assessment will occur through teacher observation, formative assessment will occur through tracking data on the accuracy of student responses for each step of the activity, and reflective tasks will be scored for student understanding; oral presentations can also be scored for clarity and focus, as well as the business plan for usage, grammar, mechanics, writing style, and appropriate audience set-up.
Step 5: Follow-Through Activities:
Students should revisit this lesson as they progress through their math unit to build on their understanding of area and perimeter skills.