Mathematics Set Off

Sit in pairs and use the copy of a 6 x 6 grid (shown here)

Step 1: Play against each other by taking turns to paint or colour tiles to create "boats" on the same grid.
Each player should use a different colour.

"Boats" can be turned in any direction but must retain their original design.
The student who is able to paint or colour the greater number of "boats" (count the number of squares) is the winner. 

Use square tiles to find the area of the grid. Each tile will fit exactly over a square on the 6 x 6 grid that students were working with from starter activity. Fit the square tiles to find out how many square tiles would completely cover the 6 x 6 grid.

Note that the answer (36 square tiles) represents the area of the 6 x 6 grid. 

Step 2: View this picture of a "car" turned in four different directions. Each pair of students will use this copy of a large square grid. Students are to take turns to colour "cars" in an effort to determine who could shade the greatest number of cars before running out of space on the grid.

Step 3: Discuss the following questions as a group.

• What is the area of the shaded region of the square grid?
• What is the area of the unshaded region of the square grid?
• What is the area of each region shaded in different colours?

Watch this video projected from the internet on area and how area is calculated.

Step 4: After discovering the area of an object is the number of square units that it covers, students will demonstrate how to find the area of one face of a drink box or any shape on a grid.

Step 5: View this grid where the shaded portion represents the floor of a living room and each square represents the floor tiles. Students will paint or colour the tiles on the living room to indicate where they will place the following furniture:

2 chairs- small  and large     tv stand       a rug         a center table        a computer desk

Students will answer the following questions from the activity done:

1.  What is the area of the floor of the living room?
2. What is the area taken up by the pieces of furniture?
3. What area is left unoccupied by furniture?