GED 2002 Teachers' Handbook of Lesson Plans

Activity Title - Measurement and Geometry

Goal/Objective

Students will apply basic mathematics skills and concepts in the context of everyday, real-life application and will increase their skill by applying formulas to real life situations.

Lesson Outline/Introduction

Measurement is used in our everyday life. The distance around the edge of something is called the perimeter. The formula for a perimeter of a rectangle is 21+2w. Area is the measure of the surface of something. The formula for the area of a rectangle is A=lxw. A square is the combination of 4 sides of equal length. The formula for the area of a square is A=s, where "s" is one side of the square.

Activity

Divide the class into two groups. Have the students measure classroom and common areas. Students can measure the frame around the chalkboard, and the inside of the board. Students can measure the molding in the doorway and baseboards. Also measure the area of the classroom. Have students calculate all of the measurements by accurately utilizing the FX 260 Solar Calculator.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Have students review their calculations and explain to the class which formula they used, and how they solved the problem.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

Extension Activity

Have students measure a room in their home and apply the correct formula to sue for real-life situations.

May include:

• Figuring the amount of tile needed for bathroom or kitchen.
• Figuring the amount of carpet needed for their home

ESE Accommodations

Allow students to use calculator

Discuss the formulas with the students to solve measurement and geometry problems.

Provide students with newspaper ads.

Real-Life Connection

Have students determine specific cost per foot or yard for molding around the chalkboard, doorway, baseboards, tile, and carpet. Students will calculate the cost from newspaper ads and catalogs.

Activity Title - Measurement and Geometry

Introduction

Say: Carpenters, repairmen, and do it yourselfers use measurement skills every day. In order to purchase tile, wall paper, paint, and carpet for your home, you must know how to measure a room.

Ask: How many of you have wall papered. Painted, or placed tile in your home?

Main Activity

After students have calculated the accurate amount for molding, tile, or carpet needed, have students from each group share their calculations with the class.

Say: Now that you have learned to measure and calculate the perimeter of a rectangle, the area of a square, you can purchase material needed for your home in an economical manner.

Closure/Conclusion

This is a lesson that students can use in every day life. Questions on the GED test will ask you to find the perimeters and areas of figures. Learning basic geometry and measurement is one way to begin gaining skills needed to solve geometry problems.

Follow-up lessons/Activities